Post-Pandemic Oktoberfest Kicks Off in Munich

Following two years of COVID-19 restrictions that resulted in its cancelation, the traditional Oktoberfest celebration has returned to Munich, and beer lovers lined up for hours prior to the opening ceremony conducted by Mayor Dieter Reiter on September 17. The 187th celebration of Oktoberfest was officially started on a sunny Saturday afternoon when Mayor Reiter tapped the first keg of Märzen, a traditional Bayern beer brewed by Paulaner.

More than six million people are expected to attend Oktoberfest this year. The Bayern government will carefully monitor COVID-19 infections during the festival through its public health department, but Governor Markus Soeder does not anticipate major outbreaks or high numbers of hospitalizations. COVID-19 measures will be minimal, and there will not be any vaccine or masking requirements unless health officials see a need for implementation.

One thing that Oktoberfest revelers should keep in mind is that inflationary pressures are being felt at the brewery level, which means that beers will be more expensive this year. The traditional Oktoberfest steins, which hold a couple of pints, will cost up to 14 euros, which represents an increase of 15% since 2019. It is important to note that this is the price of Paulaner Märzen; other beers may cost more if they are special brews, but most people who attend this festival stick with Märzen and other Bavarian products.

Mayor Reiter explained that the first two days of Oktoberfest are about celebrating Bavarian culture, which traditionally includes food, music, clothing, and games that do not necessarily have to do with beer. It is optional to maintain social distancing and other COVID-19-specific precautions, but the Mayor mostly wants to see everyone having a good time.

Oktoberfest will overlap with the Munich Beer Festival (MBF), a three-day festival that takes place on the first two weekends in October. More than 500 breweries from around the world showcase their latest beers and products. In addition, the MBF showcases international events, that highlight different countries, cultures, and styles of beer. The MBF’s organizers will closely monitoring the health and safety of the public. Like Oktoberfest, the festival also welcomes those who want to maintain a distance from one another, but the MBF also wants to be inclusive by promoting different beer styles and brands. Some Oktoberfest connoisseurs feel that the MBF is more diverse, affordable, and beer-focused.