Less visitors of the traditional Oktoberfest in Munich are expected as people fear terrorist attacks. In the light of the events two months ago, when a 18-year old man with German-Iranian citizenship killed nine people and wounded more than 15 at a shopping center in Munich, officials have revised the security plan for the Oktoberfest. This year a fence around the whole area has been put up, with security checks at the entrances. In peak times more than 450 security wardens will be on duty. Bags packs and other bags with a capacity of more than 3 liters are prohibited with luggage depositories around the fairground. Additionally 600 police men, 100 more than last year, will be present to make the 184. Oktoberfest the safest beer festival ever.
But all security measures may even remind visitors of possible dangers as they come to the festival to have a relaxed day but are being confronted with lots of police and security measures.
The first day of the Oktoberfest seems to have seen less visitors than in previous years. Although most of the 15 traditional beer tents which usually have a capacity for 5,000 to 6,000 people, had to close its doors for additional visitors because of overcrowding already early in the afternoon, outdoor seats which account for an additional capacity of 20-25% could not be used because of abundant rainfalls. German weather service DWD even issued a weather warning for the Munich area for the afternoon. Hotels in the Munich regions report for this year less bookings than usual.
Oktoberfest fans have to spend 3.11% more for beer, paying from 10.40€ to 10.70€ for a Mass (1 liter) in the beer tents. In the last ten years the beer price has gone up an average of 3.31€, which is more than one third.
Despite everything, the overall consumption of beer will most likely not fall much behind last year’s number of 7.5 million litres. The Oktoberfest will last 17 days, one more day than in other years. The festival ends on Monday, October 3rd, the German Unity Day, which is a public holiday in Germany.
