People in traditional clothing participate in the costume parade during the 187th edition of the traditional Oktoberfest beer and amusement festival in the German Bavaria state's capital of Munich, Germany, 18 September 2022. The Oktoberfest 2022 runs from 17 September to 03 October 2022 and several millions of visitors are expected from all over the world. The event resumes after being canceled for two years in a row due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. EPA-EFE/CHRISTIAN BRUNA Thousands sporting "Lederhosen", or leather trousers - a typical mainstay of Bavarian culture - flocked to the event that usually attracts around 6 million visitors to Munich a year, including tourist from around the world.
"It's a bit of an anxious moment walking through the whole crowd," one visitor said. "Once we get sitting down and having a beer we'll be alright."
Revellers sit at long communal tables to swig beer, eat sausages, pretzel or pork knuckle, and listen to oompah bands.
Munich mayor Dieter Reiter said earlier this year that the Oktoberfest, held from Sept. 17 to Oct. 3, would take place without any Covid-19 restrictions.
(Reporting by Ayhan Uyanik und Christine Uyanik; Writing by Christoph Steitz; Editing by Alex Richardson)