Oktoberfest 2024 Begins in Munich with Traditional Keg Tapping Ceremony
Munich's Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival, has officially begun with the city's mayor tapping the first keg of beer to mark the opening of its 191st edition.
Detroit, MI, September 19, 2026 —
Munich, Germany – The gates of Oktoberfest, the world-renowned folk festival, officially opened today, marking the commencement of its 191st iteration. The traditional ceremony, a highlight for locals and international visitors alike, saw the Mayor of Munich tap the first keg of beer to inaugurate the festivities.
This year’s opening ceremony signals the start of a multi-week celebration that draws millions of attendees annually to the Bavarian capital. The event, held on the Theresienwiese fairground, is celebrated globally as the largest of its kind, featuring numerous beer tents, fairground rides, and traditional Bavarian food and entertainment.
The tradition of the mayor tapping the first keg, known as ‘Anstich’, is a symbolic act that officially declares the festival open. The first mug of beer is typically presented to the Minister-President of Bavaria. This year’s event continues the long-standing heritage of Oktoberfest, which dates back to 1810.
While the summary states the 191st edition has begun, specific details regarding the total duration of the festival, attendance projections, or any special events planned beyond the opening ceremony were not provided. Information regarding the participating breweries or any notable logistical changes for this year’s festival was also not available in the provided summary.
Oktoberfest is a significant cultural and economic event for Munich, attracting tourists from across the globe. Preparations for the festival typically involve extensive planning by city officials and the participating breweries to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the expected large crowds.
The 191st Oktoberfest is now underway, with the ceremonial tapping concluding the official opening, allowing visitors to partake in the beer, food, and unique atmosphere that has made the festival a global phenomenon.
Story summarized from the original created by Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
