International

In Pictures: 'Oktoberfest', Germany's Centuries-Old Beer Festival, Begins

With the traditional keg-tapping, the festivities started and will continue until October 6 at the Theresienwiese fairground. 2024 marks the 189th Oktoberfest and since it began almost two centuries ago it has transformed from a small community event to a worldwide phenomenon.

Oktoberfest Opening: Festival goer reach out for the first glasses of beer | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Festival goer reach out for the first glasses of beer on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: Waitresses carry beer mugs in the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent
Oktoberfest Opening: Waitresses carry beer mugs in the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Waitresses carry beer mugs in the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: A woman sells Pretzels at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent
Oktoberfest Opening: A woman sells Pretzels at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

A woman sells Pretzels at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: Waitresses carry traditional food plates at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent
Oktoberfest Opening: Waitresses carry traditional food plates at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Waitresses carry traditional food plates at the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: Visitors wait in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery
Oktoberfest Opening: Visitors wait in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Visitors wait in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery the start of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: Festival goers during day one of the 189th Oktoberfest beer festival in Munich
Oktoberfest Opening: Festival goers during day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Festival goer reach out for the first glasses of beer at the Hofbraehaus beer tent on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: Young visitors during 189th Oktoberfest beer festival
Oktoberfest Opening: Young visitors during 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

Young visitors await the start of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: People run to enter the 189th Oktoberfest beer festival
Oktoberfest Opening: People run to enter the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

People run to enter the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: A waitress carrying beer mugs
Oktoberfest Opening: A waitress carrying beer mugs | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

A waitress carrying beer mugs in the Hofbraeuhaus beer tent on day one of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.

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Oktoberfest Opening: A waitress prepares beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee
Oktoberfest Opening: A waitress prepares beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee | Photo: AP/Matthias Schrader

A waitress prepares beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee for the start of the 189th 'Oktoberfest' beer festival in Munich, Germany.