IN PICS | Munich’s Oktoberfest roars to life as the mayor taps the first keg

Munich’s Oktoberfest kicked off on Saturday with the city’s mayor tapping the first keg of beer and opening the 191st edition of the world’s largest folk festival.

Mayor Dominik Krause put the first keg on tap with only two strokes and the traditional cry of “O’zapft is” — or “It’s been tapped”.

Over the course of 16 days until October 4, about six-million visitors are expected at the Oktoberfest. Most of them come from Munich and southern Germany. However, millions of guests also travel from other parts of Germany and from around the world.

A ban on knives and flying objects — especially drones — was also in effect. There are entry checks, large bags are prohibited — and smoking marijuana is not allowed.