After two years of cancellation due to the pandemic, the traditional beer festival is opening its doors again to visitors from all over the world, the mayor announced.
The traditional Munich Oktoberfest is taking place this year after being canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid19 pandemic, the German city’s town hall announced this Friday (29th).
Mayor Dieter Reiter said the decision about the famous beer festival was not easy for him, both because of the pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
He said that everyone must decide for themselves whether they want to celebrate on European soil despite the war. Merchants who attended the party argued that it was positive for people from all over the world to celebrate together in peace.
Regarding the pandemic, Reiter said he hopes infections don’t rise again to the point where the party has to be canceled again.
Oktoberfest in Munich
Image: Getty Images
The mayor said he had consulted German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach and would like to impose the requirement for a vaccination card or proof of recovery from Covid19, but due to current regulations in the country the festival will take place without restrictions.
Oktoberfest typically attracts 6 million visitors to Munich each year, many of them from abroad. This year the event will take place from September 17th to October 3rd.
185th Oktoberfest in Munich
Image: AFP
Before the pandemic, the Bavarian party, which has a 200year history, only failed in times of war.