Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters

Up for grabs: First beers handed out at Oktoberfest in Munich

Revellers reach out for the first beer in the traditional one-liner "Masskrug" beer mugs at the opening day of the Munich Oktoberfest at the Theresienwiese in Munich, Sept. 22. The world's biggest beer festival runs until October 7.

Related story: Raise a glass (or beer mug) to the Oktoberfest tradition

Slideshow: Bottoms up at Oktoberfest!

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I would drink a keg of beer also knowing that Merkel was in charge.

    Reply#1 - Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:01 PM EDT

    Hey! There are beverages involved, here!

      Reply#2 - Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:06 PM EDT

      Doesn't Oktoberfest mean October??? September 22 until October 7? What's wrong with this picture??

        Reply#3 - Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:40 PM EDT

        The festival was eventually prolonged and moved ahead to September to allow for better weather conditions. Today, the last day of the festival is the first Sunday in October. In 2006, the Oktoberfest extended two extra days because the first Tuesday, October 3, was a national holiday.

        Source

        I could have asked my best half, but they're watching a movie while i sit here and take a break from studies. :)

        • 1 vote
        #3.1 - Sat Sep 22, 2012 11:58 PM EDT

        Thanks for clarifying the answer to this FAQ, Re@son...

          #3.2 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:59 AM EDT

          Oktoberfest was originally for Bavarians (not Germans, who are a diferent people in both culture and attitude), and it was held in October, hence the name. But Oktoberfest in Munich is a huge celebration that swells the city from half a million inhabitants, to around 12 million during the festival.

          If you have ever been in Munich during October you would realize that September is far warmer, drier and generally more pleasant altogether. This allows more people to attend, enjoy the finest beer in the world and the warm welcome of the locals in relative comfort.

            #3.3 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:20 AM EDT
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            Cheers!

              Reply#4 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:15 AM EDT

              I believe "ein Mass" holds one liter, and is not a one-liner.

                Reply#5 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:27 AM EDT

                Prost an alle!

                • 1 vote
                Reply#6 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:33 AM EDT

                I can't wait to get back to Germany.

                Beer, hash and whore houses. One big party.

                  Reply#7 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 12:49 AM EDT

                  Skol!

                  • 1 vote
                  Reply#8 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:10 AM EDT

                  Had a great time in Munich in the early seventies during this time of the month. The German's truly know how to party. Don't remember how many mugs of beer I had, but I remember the German's wouldn't allow me to ever buy a round.

                  • 4 votes
                  Reply#9 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:15 AM EDT

                  Same here! It was a fun event and a beautiful city. I loved the time spent there and sure would like to go back. I have great memories of that country and the interesting people.

                  • 2 votes
                  #9.1 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 4:26 AM EDT
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                  Am I wrong, or aren't these celebrations just a tad early? It is still September.

                    Reply#10 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 1:19 AM EDT

                    Just thought I would point out that there is a really cute guy with gorgeous chestnut hair in the photo. He should be the new RPG.

                      Reply#11 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 3:08 AM EDT

                      Oktoberfest in Munich runs for 16 days & always ends on the 1st Sunday in October (except for 2006 as noted above) and yes the Germans know how to party. I was there in '77 and definitely want to go back. 1 day hope to make it.

                      • 1 vote
                      Reply#12 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 3:47 AM EDT

                      They drink beer Warm over there... you may have it better over here.

                        Reply#13 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:19 AM EDT

                        No, they don't. If you go to the Hofbrauhaus or any of the local beer gardens you will be served your lager cold, just like it was brewed to be served. In the winter, due to the cold weather, many prefer their beer warmed and some restaurants actually have beer warming devices at the table. Ales on the other hand, are fermented warm and are meant to be enjoyed warm, but never Lagers or Pilsners.

                        You will not find a better beer in the world, though most American drinkers find the strength, abundance of hops and rich flavor to be a bit much for taste buds accustomed to yellow water.

                        If you can find a local source try the Hofbrauhaus Oktoberfest, which is brewed and bottled in Munich for export. While not quite the same as having a fresh draft in Munich, it will show you why Bavarians are justifiably regarded as the finest beer brewers in the world. If you can't find it, the Czech "Pilsner Urquell" is widely available and is absolutely world class.

                          #13.1 - Sun Sep 23, 2012 9:32 AM EDT
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