Stein of the times! Millions descend on Munich to consume as much beer and bratwurst as possible during the 213th annual Oktoberfest
The world’s largest folk festival is back once against for the 213th time, and once again it has not failed to attract millions from all over the world to Munich, Germany.
Roughly six million people visit the weeks-long festival every year, a number that has only grown since its inception in 1810, to try the best sausage and beer Munich has to offer.
Guests wear their best Bavarian threads, with gents often seen in lederhosen, while ladies don ‘dirndls’, a traditional dress that consists of a low necklined bodice, a blouse and a high-waisted skirt.
The first ever Oktoberfest began as a celebration of the wedding of Prince Regent Ludwig of Bavaria, the later King Ludwig I, and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in 1810.
Festivities for the wedding, which took place almost exactly 213 years ago to the day, and saw Bavarian citizens celebrate with an enormous horse race.
The region’s population liked the race so much that they decided to do another one every year after that, with the festival evolving to include fairground rides and attractions in the years to come.
The Oktoberfest, the 188th edition, runs through to October 3, and typically draws about six million visitors every year. The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with Covid-19, but returned in 2022.
A one-litre stein of beer costs between 12.60 euros and 14.90 euros (£10.86 to £12.84) this year, an increase of around six per cent from last year.
