Oktoberfest is more than two months away, but preparations have already begun. Not far from the center of Munich, there is a large construction site and access is prohibited since Monday.
This year's Oktoberfest will be from September 16 to October 3 - two days longer than usual. The extension is due to coincide with a holiday, as German Unification Day, October 3, falls on a Tuesday.
Such an "XXL" Oktoberfest, as he called it, will be another success story, said festival director Klemens Baumgertner.
He pointed out that last year there were 5,7 million visitors, since there were no festivals in 2021 and 2020 due to the pandemic.
That was half a million people less than in 2019 - but because of the bad weather, Baumgertner reminded.
Rain and cold meant that mulled wine was also served at Oktoberfest last year.
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