BERLIN, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- With a roaring start, the 189th Oktoberfest in Germany's Munich attracted over a million visitors during its first weekend. As the festival ends on Sunday, local media have predicted a record 7.2 million attendees this year.
"Oktoberfest is a hallmark of Munich," Clemens Baumgaertner, head of Munich's Department of Labor and Economic Development, told Xinhua. "It's not just an economic event; it's a crucial activity for shaping our identity."
This year's festival kicked off on Sept. 21 with a vibrant scene of revelers dressed in traditional Bavarian costumes converging towards the Theresienwiese, the famous Oktoberfest location.
The heart of Oktoberfest lies in the numerous beer tents, each representing a local Munich brewery, offering a wide range of traditional brews.
In addition to live music and amusement rides, a favorite souvenir is the traditional heart-shaped gingerbread, typically inscribed with messages of love, good luck, or friendship.
"The weather is great, the atmosphere is fantastic, and everyone is friendly. It makes me feel relaxed and joyful," said John Cooper, a Munich resident.
The Oktoberfest, originating in 1810, has become one of Germany's most iconic folk festivals. Every year, it draws around 6 million visitors from across the globe.
The organizers said they are committed to preserving the event's rich traditions, opting against large digital screens and excessive lights to maintain its historical charm and authentic Bavarian atmosphere.
They also wish to create a unified experience where visitors and locals alike can immerse themselves in the authentic and joyful ambiance.
"This is a Munich festival, but we welcome guests from all over the world, especially those from China," Baumgaertner said.
He noted that he had the chance to visit the Qingdao International Beer Festival last year. "The setting of the place was beautiful, and it fits in perfectly with Qingdao."
Munich and Qingdao have become closer due to their shared love of beer, said Rita Maria Roider, a visitor from Munich who was also in Qingdao this summer for this year's beer festival.
"Qingdao International Beer Festival has taken astonishing development. It's very international and open-minded," Roider said. ■
