Festival attendees savor the first glasses of beer on the inaugural day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Excited festival-goers reach for the initial glasses of beer on the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ in Munich, Germany, occurring on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

A waitress is seen transporting beer mugs within the Hofbraeuhaus tent during the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

People are rushing to gain entry into the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival held in Munich, Germany, marked on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

The Oktoberfest hosts arrive for the start of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Visitors gather in the tent of the Hacker-Pschorr brewery for the commencement of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

A waitress sets up beer mugs in the Augustiner marquee for the opening of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday morning, September 21, 2024.

Waitresses stand by for the gate opening before the launch of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Visitors gather in anticipation of the opening of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival, surrounded by paintings depicting iconic Munich scenes, in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Police conduct patrols prior to the commencement of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

Festival attendees enjoy the initial servings of beer on the first day of the 189th ‘Oktoberfest’ beer festival in Munich, Germany, on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

MUNICH — Bridie O’Halloran experienced her first-ever beer at Oktoberfest.

The 19-year-old from Australia described her beer as “the best I’ve had” after drinking about a quarter of her liter-sized mug on Saturday. Adorned in a pink dirndl, which she had purchased just hours before, O’Halloran joined the throng of tens of thousands at the 189th Oktoberfest in Munich, celebrating alongside a sea of more seasoned beer enthusiasts.

The festivities kicked off officially on Saturday with the opening of the world’s largest folk festival. Munich’s Mayor Dieter Reiter initiated the celebrations at noon by tapping the first keg of beer.

Immediately, servers began navigating through the crowded tents, skillfully balancing up to 10 beer mugs each. The attendees toasted and sipped eagerly from their mugs amidst the warm, bustling atmosphere, serenaded by bands playing traditional Bavarian music, although they were cautioned by signs against dancing on the tables.

The festival, which is housed in 18 large tents across the Theresienwiese fairground, will continue until October 6. It anticipates welcoming around 6 million people over its 16-day span, with daily crowds potentially reaching 600,000. Visitors this year will pay between 13.60 and 15.30 euros ($15.12 to $17.01) for a large mug of beer, marking an increase of about 3.87% over last year’s prices.

This year, there is increased security following a fatal knife assault in Solingen, located about 470 kilometers from Munich. The assault on August 23 resulted in three fatalities and eight injuries, with claims of responsibility by the Islamic State group, though no evidence was provided. Consequently, for the first time in its history, Oktoberfest has implemented the use of metal detectors, though organizers noted there were no specific threats.

On early Saturday morning, as the gates opened at 9 a.m., attendees quickly surged into the fairgrounds, despite efforts by security to maintain order. Amidst the cold, laughter and shouts of “why are we running!” filled the air as people hurried to secure a spot at the front of the line for good seating in the tents.

The day featured a traditional parade and the ceremonial keg-tapping by Reiter. Once the festivities were underway, focus shifted to enjoying beer and traditional foods like roasted chicken, bratwurst, and pretzels. Amusement rides also entertained the younger visitors who came with their families.

Mikael Caselitz, a 24-year-old Munich native who has been a regular at Oktoberfest for many years, was among the crowd. He expressed that visiting the festival in Munich should be on everyone’s bucket list at least once.

“It can get really crowded and disgusting when people puke on the side of the road,” he joked, “but overall it’s a really fun experience.”

Ollie Standen woke up at 6 a.m. to get in line well ahead of the noon keg-tapping. The 21-year-old from England is in Munich this year for a university exchange program and a local friend told him he had to join the festivities. He said he’s looking forward to trying different German beers that aren’t usually found in the United Kingdom.

“It’s a great German tradition and I’m excited to be here,” he said.

The event was skipped in 2020 and 2021 as authorities grappled with COVID-19, but returned in 2022.

The initial Oktoberfest took place on October 17, 1810, commemorating the nuptials of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Theresa of Saxony. Hosted in a field on Munich’s outskirts, the site was named “Theresienwiese” in tribute to the bride. Although the name persists, the festivity now begins in September to benefit from the milder Bavarian weather.