Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
OZAPFT IST'S!
Starting at 10.45am on the first day, the brewer's parade (the Festzug) travels through the
city centre from the River Isar to the fairgrounds. This involves many old, brightly decor-
ated horse-drawn carriages once used to transport kegs from brewery to pub and countless
felt-hatted tag alongs. When the procession reaches the Wiesn, focus switches to the Schot-
tenhamel beer tent and the mayor of Munich who, on the stroke of noon, takes a mallet and
knocks the tap into the first keg. As the beer flows forth and the thirsty crowds cheer, the
mayor exclaims: '
Ozapft ist's
!' (literally 'It's tapped' in Bavarian dialect). If you want to
witness this ceremonial opening of the Oktoberfest, be sure to get there as early as 9am to
bag a seat.
