Germany: "O zapft is", the return of the Oktoberfest in Munich!

Scene of jubilation at the Oktoberfest this September 17.

Germans are among the biggest consumers of beer in Europe with 84 liters per capita in 2021. AFP - CHRISTOF STACHE

Text by: RFI Follow

2 mins

The world's biggest popular celebration, the

in Munich ,

returns today after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic

For the Bavarian capital this is a great relief and beer lovers rejoice.

There remains a mortgage, the Covid-19 virus which has not disappeared.

No restrictions on the spot are planned but the persons in charge do not want to be alarmist.

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With our correspondent in Berlin,

“ 

”.

The first barrel of beer is drilled.

The mayor of Munich, armed with a wooden mallet, performed the traditional ceremony and pronounced the magic formula this morning.

The 187th Oktoberfest is officially open.

After a two-year hiatus, due to Covid-19,

in the world can once again take place.

Six million visitors

Six million visitors are expected until October 3 in the Bavarian capital.

This morning, many of them, dressed in their traditional costumes, lined up and ran at full speed - thirsty - as soon as the gates of the site were opened to settle in one of the many tents.

A liter of beer will cost at least 12.60 euros this year.

In total, 7.5 million liters were swallowed in 2019, more than 400,000 chickens, the typical dish, consumed. 

Will these records be broken?

Because an invisible guest is still lurking for this 2022 edition, the Covid-19 virus.

No restrictive measures exist at the entrance such as a vaccination pass and it is difficult to wear a mask to drink, eat and sing the party hits loudly. 

Covid-19, the return

As with other mass demonstrations in recent weeks in Bavaria, a significant increase in the number of Covid-19 infections is therefore expected.

Experts believe, however, that the situation should remain controllable without a significant increase in the most serious cases involving hospitalization. 

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