Beer drinkers from around the world gathered in Munich on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the 181st Oktoberfest
The Munich Oktoberfest -- one of Germany’s favourite and most famous festivals -- got under way in the capital of Bavaria on Saturday. The festival, which runs till 5 October, is a huge tourist draw for the southern city. Some six million visitors from around the world are expected to raise a glass in the beer tents at the sprawling Theresienwiese grounds.
A waitress carries mugs of beer during the opening day of the 181st Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters
A gingerbread heart is pictured during the Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Lukas Barth/Reuters
Men in their traditional Bavarian clothing clink beer mugs after the Parade of Costumes and Riflemen (Trachten- und Schuetzenzug) on the second day of the Oktoberfest at Theresienhoehe. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
Visitors enjoy the atmosphere at Augustiner Beer tent after the Parade of Costumes and Riflemen (Trachten- und Schuetzenzug) on the second day of the Oktoberfest at Theresienhoehe. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
A salesgirl offers bavarian pretzel at Augustiner Beer tent on the second day of the Oktoberfest at Theresienhoehe. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
A couple dance in a beer tent during the 181st Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Lukas Barth/Reuters
Visitors toast with their one-litre beer mugs during the 181st Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters
Visitors hold up the first mug of beer after the tapping of the first barrel during the opening ceremony for the 181st Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters
Waitresses waving beer mugs participate in the parade on the opening day of the Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Joerg Koch/Getty Images
Traditional Bavarian folk dress march in the Parade of Costumes and Riflemen (Trachten- und Schuetzenzug) on the second day of the Oktoberfest at Theresienhoehe on in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images
A waitress carries mugs of beer in the Schottenhamel tent during the opening day of the 181st Oktoberfest in Munich. Photograph: Lukas Barth/Reuters
An actor performs during the Oktoberfest parade in Munich. Photograph: Lukas Barth/Reuters
