In pictures: Beer flows as Germany's Oktoberfest opens in Munich

  • Published
visitors toast with beersImage source, Reuters

The first beers have been served at the Oktoberfest beer festival in the German city of Munich.

About six million visitors are expected at the festival, which runs until 7 October.

Last year about 7.5m litres (1.6m gallons) were consumed during the event.

The festival began as a horse race staged to mark a royal wedding in 1810, with the first beer tents appearing later in the 19th Century.

Visitors run to get a spot at the OktoberfestImage source, Reuters
This X post cannot be displayed in your browser. Please enable Javascript or try a different browser.View original content on X
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
Skip X post by Marcel Dirsus

Allow X content?

This article contains content provided by X. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read X’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.
End of X post by Marcel Dirsus
Presentational white space

Visitors were anxious to get good positions for the festival's opening.

Visitor at OktoberfestImage source, Reuters

Some attended in traditional Bavarian dress.

Munich mayor Dieter Reiter prepares to tap the first barrel of beerImage source, Reuters

The first barrel was tapped by Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter.

visitors drink beerImage source, Reuters

The first beers were eagerly received by visitors.

Beers are served to the crowds by waitressesImage source, Reuters

Waitresses distribute the beer to revellers in several massive beer tents.

marching bands feature at the eventImage source, EPA

Marching bands are a feature of the festival.

crowds drink beerImage source, Reuters
visitors with beersImage source, Reuters
drinkers at the OktoberfestImage source, EPA

All pictures copyright