Germany's famous October festival 'Oktoberfest' has begun: 'The keg is tapped'

The festival, which begins on September 21, traditionally lasts for 16 days and includes events through the first Sunday of October. Although Oktoberfest is now more famous as a 'beer festival,' the origins of the festival are rooted in the traditional local October celebrations of the Bavaria region.

Following the reunification of Germany, some changes were made regarding the duration of the festival; if the first Sunday of October falls on the 1st or 2nd, the celebrations are extended to the Day of German Unity on October 3rd.

The events are mostly held in the Theresienwiese area. Germans hold a parade at the festival in their traditional attire.

The most striking aspect of Oktoberfest is its beer culture. The festival begins with the opening of a large wooden beer barrel by the Mayor of Munich.

At the beginning of the ceremony, the festival is officially opened with the Mayor saying 'O'zapft is!' (the keg is tapped).

Specially brewed every year, Oktoberfest beer stands out with its dark color and strong character, and is served in one-liter 'Mass' mugs.

Only Munich-based brewers have the right to offer this special beer.

Throughout the event, celebrations are being held in massive tents accommodating thousands of people.

Although six types of beer are offered at the event, the number of beer varieties available across Germany has risen to 6,000. Producers participating in the October festival perform quality control while tasting their beers.

During this process, tasters identify high-quality beers by making comments such as 'aged in wooden barrels' and 'strong flavor'.

Despite a decline in overall beer consumption in Germany, beyond the varieties offered in beer tents, interest in craft beers is on the rise.

Over the last 20 years, per capita beer consumption has fallen from 142 liters to 107 liters. However, the craft beer sector is growing rapidly with over 1,300 small breweries.

Demand for regional products is increasing variety as many restaurants establish their own breweries.

Experts emphasize the influence of a food regulation adopted in 1516 behind the success of these small producers. This rule stipulates that beer must be made only from barley, hops, and water.

In Germany, beer production is still considered a craft, and this situation allows the local beer culture to flourish.