The world's largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, has officially opened in Munich. The festivities began with the traditional 'O'zapft is!'—meaning 'It is tapped!'—as the Mayor of Munich performed the ceremonial tapping of the first beer keg. This act marks the official start of the multi-week celebration, which attracts millions of visitors from around the globe to the Bavarian capital.

While the event is primarily known for its beer tents and traditional Bavarian culture, it also serves as a significant economic and cultural touchstone for the region. The festival grounds, known as the Theresienwiese, are currently hosting a variety of vendors, amusement rides, and traditional music performances. Security measures remain a standard part of the event's logistics, as organizers prepare for the high volume of attendees expected throughout the duration of the festival. The opening ceremony serves as the symbolic bridge between local tradition and the international tourism that defines the modern iteration of the event.