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
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.

A waitress carries beer mugs in a beer tent during the opening of the Oktoberfest beer festival at the Theresienwiese fair grounds in Munich, southern Germany, on September 17, 2022. Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP
A waitress carries beer mugs in a beer tent during the opening of the Oktoberfest beer festival at the Theresienwiese fair grounds in Munich, southern Germany, on September 17, 2022. Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP

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.

Little girl Lea is dressed in traditional clothes as she takes part in the traditional costume parade of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2022.Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP
Little girl Lea is dressed in traditional clothes as she takes part in the traditional costume parade of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2022.Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP

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

Participants dressed as fools perform during the traditional costume parade of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2022. Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP
Participants dressed as fools perform during the traditional costume parade of the Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich, southern Germany, on September 18, 2022. Photo: Christof STACHE/AFP

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