Oktoberfest, world's largest beer festival, kicks off after two-year hiatus

Germany's Oktoberfest, World's largest beer festival, kicked off on Saturday for the first time since 2019, marking the end of a two-year hiatus as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bayern Munich's striker Thomas Mueller and his wife Lisa hold beer mugs as they pose during the first division Bundesliga team FC Bayern Munich's traditional visit at the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2022. Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP

At Saturday noon, the Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter tapped the first Oktoberfest beer barrel, marking the opening of the Munich Oktoberfest, which will last until October 3, Xinhua news agency reported.

Covering an area of 34.5 hectare, the festival is expected to receive millions of visitors from all over the world with special Oktoberfest beers and hearty specialities like fried sausages and pork knuckles.

The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810. There have only been 26 cancellations in its long history, mostly due to wars and pandemics.

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