2 days ago
Munich's 191st Oktoberfest Opens With Enhanced Security Measures
Oktoberfest has opened in Munich, Germany.
It is the 191st edition of the famous beer festival.
Mayor Dominik Krause started it by opening the first keg of beer.
The festival will last 16 days and end on October 4.
About 6 million people are expected to visit.
This year, officials added stronger security after overcrowding at last year’s event.
Cameras will watch crowds, while knives, drones, and large bags are not allowed.
Hundreds of police officers are also working at the festival.
Even with the extra rules, people arrived ready to enjoy music, dancing, and food.
Munich Mayor Dominik Krause opened the 191st Oktoberfest by tapping the first keg with two strokes.
The world’s largest folk festival will run for 16 days, ending October 4, 2026.
Organizers expect around 6 million visitors to attend the festival in Munich.
AI-powered cameras, banned items, and about 600 police officers are part of this year’s security operation.
Visitors quickly filled the grounds for music, dancing, beer, pretzels, sausages, and pork roast.
- Who
- Munich Mayor Dominik Krause opened the 191st Oktoberfest, with visitors, police, and specialist security teams attending.
- What
- The 191st Oktoberfest began with the tapping of the first beer keg and celebrations across the festival grounds.
- Where
- Munich, Germany.
- When
- The festival opened on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and will run until October 4, 2026.
- Why
- The festival is being held as an annual folk celebration, with enhanced security introduced after overcrowding at last year’s event.
Key facts
- Festival
- 191st Oktoberfest
- Location
- Munich, Germany
- Duration
- 16 days
- Expected attendance
- Around 6 million visitors
- Security technology
- AI-powered cameras will monitor crowds
- Banned items
- Knives, drones, and large bags
- Police deployment
- Approximately 600 police officers, plus specialist teams
Quotes
Dominik Krause
Mayor of Munich who tapped the first Oktoberfest keg
“O’zapft is.”
rediff.com










