Beer drinkers from around the world have gathered in Munich to celebrate the 182nd Oktoberfest.
The first Oktoberfest was held in the year 1810 in honour of the Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig's marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The festivities began on October 12, 1810 and ended on October 17th with a horse race. In the following years, the celebrations were repeated and, later, the festival was prolonged and moved forward into September.
The Munich Oktoberfest -- one of Germany’s favourite and most famous festivals -- is under way in the capital of Bavaria. The festival, which runs till October 4, 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.
Here are some glimpses of the spectacular festival:
Image: Revelers drink beer at Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on the opening day of the 2015 Oktoberfest on September 19, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Revelers raise their beer glasses at the Paulaner beer tent on the opening day of the 2015 Oktoberfest on September 19, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Revelers dressed in Bavarian folk outfits pose for selfies during the opening day of the 2015 Oktoberfest on September 19, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Revelers take photos as they drink beer at Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on the opening day of the 2015 Oktoberfest on September 19, 2015 in Munich, Germany. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Revellers enjoy their ride with a vintage caroussel on the 'Oide Wiesn' historical Oktoberfest. Photograph: Philipp Guelland/Getty Images
Image: Revellers check out gingerbread hearts on display at the traditional Oktoberfest. Photograph: Philipp Guelland/Getty Images
Image: A waitress carries beer mugs at the Paulaner beer tent. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Revelers enjoy drinking beer at Hofbraeuhaus beer tent. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: A couple enjoys beer at Hofbraeuhaus beer tent. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: A young woman drinks beer at Hofbraeuhaus beer tent. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Artists perform tricks with motorcycles at the Motodrom on the 'Oide Wiesn' historical Oktoberfest. Photograph: Philipp Guelland/Getty Images
Image: Participants dressed in medieval historic outfits ('Moriskentaenzer') perform during the Parade of Costumes and Riflemen (Trachten- und Schuetzenzug) on the second day of the 2015 Oktoberfest. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: Drunken persons sleep on the floor out of Hofbraeuhaus beer tent. Photograph: Johannes Simon/Getty Images
Image: A long exposure taken at dawn shows illuminated tents and caroussels at the 2015 Oktoberfest. Photograph: Philipp Guelland/Getty Images
Image: A waitress carries beer in a tent. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters
Image: Visitors are seen on a fairground ride at the Oktoberfest. Photograph: Michael Dalder/Reuters
