Free Republic

BERLIN (AP) — The world’s largest beer festival opened Saturday in Germany as Munich’s mayor tapped the first keg to kick off the 16-day Oktoberfest, known for its oompah music and traditional costumes. With only two blows of his hammer and a cry of ‘‘O'zapft is’’ — ‘‘It’s Tapped’’ — Mayor Christian Ude inserted the tap into the first keg, opening the 179th Oktoberfest to the cheering of thousands who were waiting to be served their first beer.

Barmaids protest as EU plans cover-up in the beer gardensBy Kate Connolly(Filed: 03/08/2005)Bavarians are hot under the collar over an EU directive that will force their barmaids to cover up, supposedly to protect them from the sun.Brewery owners, politicians and most of the women themselves have condemned the legislation as absurd, claiming the "tan ban", as it has been nicknamed, will destroy a centuries-old tradition.   A barmaid in dirndl at last year's Oktoberfest Bavarian barmaids typically dress in a costume known as a "dirndl", a dress and apron with a tight, low-cut top whose figure-hugging effect is enhanced...

Lederhosen boycott threatens Oktoberfest party Tue Mar 16,11:43 AM ET MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - The loyal custodians of Bavaria's proud lederhosen tradition threatened to boycott the famed Oktoberfest beer party's opening parade in a row with their state government. Angered by the axing of subsidies, the German state's traditional clothing associations have launched a wave of protests targeting the ruling Christian Social Union (CSU). CSU lawmakers have been told by a number of associations that they are no longer welcome to speak at their functions. State premier Edmund Stoiber, a dyed-in-the-wool Bavarian who has pointed proudly to the region's cultural...