The Borneo Post

World’s biggest beer festival Oktoberfes­t opens in Munich

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MUNICH, Germany: The drinking has begun as wet weather and enhanced security did not dampen the spirits of beer enthusiast­s at the 184th Oktoberfes­t which opened in Munich on Saturday.

Six million people from all over the world are expected to visit the world’s largest beer festival, which runs until Oct 3.

Oktoberfes­t is hoping more people will come to the festival this year after attendance in 2016 dipped in part due to concern over terror attacks.

Security has since been bolstered at the festival, with backpacks as well as large bags now being banned.

The entrances will be watched over by more than 650 security guards, up by 200 from last year, CCTV cameras have been added and a new loudspeake­r system can now be used to alert visitors in three languages: German, English and Bavarian.

Germany was rocked by a number of attacks last summer. In Munich, an 18-year- old shot nine people dead at a shopping mall before turning the gun on himself.

In the southern region of Bavaria, where Munich is located, two other attacks were claimed by the Islamic State group: a failed Syrian asylum seeker blew himself up at a music festival, wounding 15, and a 17-year- old Afghan refugee injured five in an axe attack. On Dec 19, 2016, the country was traumatise­d when a man hijacked a truck and ploughed into shoppers at a Christmas market in Berlin, killing 12 people.

 ?? — Reuters photo ?? People dressed in historical clothes take part in the Oktoberfes­t parade in Munich, Germany.
— Reuters photo People dressed in historical clothes take part in the Oktoberfes­t parade in Munich, Germany.
 ?? — AFP photo ?? The so-called Braeurosl takes part in the traditiona­l costume and riflemen parade during the second day of the 184th Oktoberfes­t beer festival in Munich.
— AFP photo The so-called Braeurosl takes part in the traditiona­l costume and riflemen parade during the second day of the 184th Oktoberfes­t beer festival in Munich.

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