The beer is flowing and millions of people are flocking to the Bavarian capital to celebrate the official opening of the annual Oktoberfest beer festival.
With the traditional shout "Ocapft is" (O'zapft is - It's uncorked!) - Mayor Dieter Reiter tapped the tap on the first keg at noon today, officially opening the 18-day festivities.
Revelers dressed in traditional short leather pants "lederhosen" - for men and low-cut "dirndl" - for women, headed to the festival in Munich this morning where they filled dozens of huge traditional tents in anticipation of receiving their first pint of beer, and then the others.
A few minutes before the first keg was opened, to the cheers of the crowd, Bavarian Governor Markus Soder asked festival goers if they were ready for Oktoberfest to begin.
"I can only say one thing: this is the most beautiful, biggest, most important festival in the world!" he said.
Oktoberfest usually attracts around six million visitors each year. It was absent in 2020 and 2021 as authorities battled Covid-19, but returned in 2022.
This year, a one-liter mug costs between 12,60 and 14,90 euros, which is about six percent more expensive than last year.
This year's Oktoberfest is the 188th since it was founded, and it lasts until October 3rd.
Bonus video:
