On September 19, Munich Mayor Christian Ude opened the 16-day Octoberfest, pouring out Spaten beer for honoured guests, including state governor of Bavaria, Horst Seehofer.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
On September 19, Munich Mayor Christian Ude opened the 16-day Octoberfest, pouring out Spaten beer for honoured guests, including state governor of Bavaria, Horst Seehofer.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Horst Seehofer attending Oktoberfest for the first time in his role as state governor.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Next year will mark the 200th anniversary of Oktoberfest.
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The festival features 14 pavilions, and numerous tents and beer gardens set up on the Theresienwiese, an open space with an area of 31 hectares.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
The beer gardens are more popular when the weather is good.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
A garden designed for families with children.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Women in Bavarian folk costumes may have to put on warmer clothes in the bad weather, but their main assets always remain visible.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Welcoming guests to Oktoberfest in Munich.
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A sign welcoming festival-goers to “2009 Oktoberfest.”
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Final preparations for the beginning of Oktoberfest.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Looking for a free seat in one of the Oktoberfest pavilions.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Delicious barbequed chicken served at the festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
The proprietors of the beer pavilions arrive at the Oktoberfest venues in these carts.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
One of the 14 Paulaner pavilions.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
The hearts of Oktoberfest.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Although there is entertainment for children, many prefer the adult entertainment, and want to ride the real horses rather than the carousel.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
A Ferris Wheel allows brave souls with no fear of heights to ascend high above the Theresienwiese and observe the stunning spectacle of the world’s biggest folk festival.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Perhaps the only effect of the world financial crisis was visible on the first day at the souvenir shops, which were largely empty.
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© RIA Novosti . Ольга Семенова
Heightened security measures were evident only in larger police patrols, with officers searching purses and bags at the entrances to pavilions. A security guard stops festival-goers who had taken Oktoberfest glasses as souvenirs.
