Munich's iconic Oktoberfest has officially begun, with Mayor Dominik Krause tapping the first beer keg at the Theresienwiese fairground. This marks the start of the 191st edition of the world-famous festival, a tradition that dates back to 1810. The mayor tapped the keg with just two strokes, followed by the traditional shout of "O'zapft is," meaning "It's been tapped." This moment signals the opening of the festival, which will run for 16 days, ending on October 4. Thousands of visitors gathered at the fairgrounds, many dressed in traditional Bavarian attire such as dirndls (women's dresses) and lederhosen (leather pants). The festival is known for its lively atmosphere, featuring brass bands playing traditional music, along with an abundance of beer, pretzels, roasted pork, and sausages. The event is expected to draw around 6 million visitors, with the majority coming from Munich and southern Germany, but many also traveling from other parts of Germany and beyond. This year, security has been significantly enhanced after last year's festival had to close temporarily due to overcrowding. According to the German news agency dpa, AI-powered cameras have been installed to monitor crowd sizes and detect potential overcrowding early. Other measures include a ban on knives and flying objects like drones, entry checks, restrictions on large bags, and a prohibition on smoking marijuana. To ensure safety and order, around 600 police officers are on duty, including Bavarian riot police, specialized units focused on preventing theft, and international task forces from eight countries. These efforts aim to provide a secure environment for the millions of visitors who come to enjoy the festival's unique blend of culture, food, and celebration.