Posted on 09/18/2010 9:43:38 PM PDT by smokingfrog
The Munich beer festival kicked off Saturday with millions of visitors from around the world expected to raise a glass or two to celebrate the event's 200th birthday over the next 17 days.
Munich's mayor Christian Ude was to launch the German extravaganza that is "Oktoberfest" by "tapping", or opening up, the first beer barrel on the stroke of midday (1000 GMT), following a tradition begun in 1810.
As a nod to the historic nature of this year's event, billed as the world's biggest people's party, the festival has been extended by two days and expanded to include special grounds for horse races and exhibitions.
A historic reconstruction of the Bavarian festival in former centuries including an old Oktoberfest tent also aimed to pull in the punters, especially younger visitors less interested in the beer fest's main draw.
For those who come for the amber nectar, however, six of the southern city's breweries have set aside their usual rivalry to brew jointly an ale from a prized recipe dating back to the festival's beginnings.
The city hopes this year to break both its visitor record of 7.1 million and that revellers will do their utmost to break the record of 6.9 million litres of beer downed.
(Excerpt) Read more at france24.com ...
Thank you, at least someone around here knows the rules.
While stationed in Germany, I found the small village fests much more fun.
However, anybody who has the opportunity to spend a few years in Germany should check out the Munich Octoberfest once.
lederhosen bump
This thread is showing big potential.
Geben Sie mir eine Frau, die wirklich Bier liebt, und ich erobere die Welt.
That picture is racist against Islam.
Another anti Islamic picture!
What beer?
Very good! Six of my favorite things. ;^)
Good lord, very beautiful, very nubile young women,and beer.
Good stuff.
Mein Gott!
:0P
Yes, I was fortunate enough to be at Oktoberfest last year.
The beer and the scenery were great.
PROST!!!
Who’s looking at the beer?
I remember that young ladies like this could carry five charged steins in each hand, and a few of the stouter ones would carry a double row.
Only the wimpy tourists would do the sissy two-hand tip.
God does good work.
We went to Bad Durkheim several times.
You have officially passed the gay test. You, Sir, are not.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.