The European Parliament voiced its worry about the turmoil in the Middle East.
The 190th Oktoberfest in Munich started with a mix of joy and sorrow this year, as the city celebrated the festivities while dealing with a tragic incident. On the opening day, a woman over 70 years old, a fairground worker, passed away near the fairground caravans despite resuscitation attempts by emergency services. The Wiesn medical service of the Aicher Ambulance received an emergency call in the morning regarding the woman's death. A crisis intervention team took over the care of her relatives. Despite the sad start, the Oktoberfest continued, with millions of visitors expected to attend over the 16-day event, which ends on October 5th. The authorities have tightened the security concept for the Wiesn this year, extending the knife ban to the surrounding area. Smoking is still not allowed at the Wiesn. The heat was a significant factor this year, with record-suspicious temperatures of 31 degrees being registered at the Theresienwiese measuring station during the afternoon. As a result, the Aicher Ambulance treated over 280 cases due to heat-related issues. One of the most memorable moments came when Munich's Mayor Dieter Reiter successfully tapped the first keg, despite sweaty conditions. Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder, who will be tapping the first keg in 2025, as has been tradition for decades, entered the tapping box in the Schottenhamel tent and commented on the heat. He understood Reiter's more energetic tapping due to the round hammer's trickiness. Florian Silbereisen, who was standing next to Jürgen Drews, offered him non-alcoholic beer as a solution. Drews, a Schlager star, skips the classic beer at the opening and is an 'anti-alcoholic.' However, an 18-year-old man from Arizona was brought to the medical station due to alcohol intoxication, with a measurement of 2.9 per mille. The Oktoberfest is not just about beer and food. Large bags are prohibited at the entry controls, adding an extra layer of security. Visitors had been waiting at the fences around the Wiesn since early morning to secure a table in one of the beer tents. As the Oktoberfest continues, the city of Munich and its residents hope for a safer and cooler remainder of the festivities. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the deceased woman.
