The world’s largest beer festival Oktoberfest has been held from Sep. 17 to Oct. 3, 2011 in Munich, German.
Opening as Munich Mayor Christian Ude taps the first keg at the Spaten tent, this year’s event attracts millions of people all over the world.
It is estimated that revelers consume a whooping 7 million liters of beer, all made by Munich's famous local breweries, plus more than 100,000 sausages, gingerbread cookies, roast chickens and other delicious German cuisines during the three-week celebration.
Besides drinking beer, people can enjoy various activities such as dart games, snack stands, and many crazy rides including several roller coasters. If you have no chance to attend the annual festival, let's take a look at the photos below.
Munich Mayor Christian Ude hands over the first beer to Bavaria's Prime Minister Horst Seehofer (R) during the opening ceremony of Oktoberfest in Munich on September 17, 2011
Revelers toast with the traditional 1-liter beer mugs at the opening of the Munich Oktoberfest
Most of Oktoberfest takes place at a total of 14 tents, which look like buildings sitting next to one another on the enormous fairgrounds. Every tent has capacity of holding around 10,000 people. Five Munich beer houses, Pauliner, Hofbrau, Augustiner, Spatan and Hacker have their own tents each.
A waitress carries the traditional 1-liter beer mugs at the opening of the Munich Oktoberfest
A barmaid carries 12 1-liter beer mugs to Oktoberfest guests
Revelers gather at the Hacker-Pschorr beer tent in Munich on September 18, 2011
People reach out for a beer mug at the Hofbraeuhaus-tent after the opening of Oktoberfest on Sept. 17, 2011
An aerial view of Oktoberfest in Munich, German
Visitors ride a Ferris wheel at dusk during the first day of the Munich Oktoberfest
Revelers enjoy a ride in a roller coaster at the Munich Oktoberfest
Men in traditional Bavarian garments attend the opening day of the beer festival on September 17, 2011
Munich Oktoberfest 2011
Related links:
Munich Oktoberfest's 200th Anniversary
Best Pictures of Munich Oktoberfest 2011