World events cast big shadow over
Munich's traditional Oktoberfest
Story and photos by Raymond
T. Conway, Stars and Stripes
A makeshift tribute to
the victims of the terrorist attacks on the U.S. is displayed at an entrance to the
Oktoberfest grounds in Munich, Germany, on Tuesday. |
MUNICH, Germany — A makeshift memorial of candles and flowers sitting atop an
American flag is a sure sign that this year’s Oktoberfest is different.
The recent terrorist attacks cast a dark cloud over Oktoberfest, Munich’s annual
beer party often billed as the world’s largest festival. Even a significant increase
in security personnel and measures hasn’t convinced tourists and locals it is
completely safe to join this year’s activities.
"I think many people are afraid," said Ranier Wolfinger, a German special
forces policeman. "We have more, much more, security this year, but people are
staying home, especially Germans. I’d say there is possibly 50 percent less people
this year."
Scores of German police, German special forces police and even U.S. and German military
police are combing the festival grounds, keeping an eye out for any trouble. Last year,
nearly 7 million people attended during the festival’s 16-day run.
"The German police are in charge of security. We’re here to cover their backs
and step in if necessary," said Pfc. Scott Patterson, a U.S. Army military policemen
from the 615th Miltary Police Company in Grafenwöhr, Germany. "Lots of people have
come up to us and thanked us for being here."
A large crowd gathers at
the Lowenbrau beer hall to down liters of beer at Munich, Germany's Oktoberfest on Monday. |
After the attacks, there was talk of canceling the event. But in a news release before
the Oktoberfest opening, Munich’s Lord Mayor Christian Ude said, "A shadow has
been cast over this year’s Oktoberfest, and we must cope with this reality. However,
it is our opinion that the Oktoberfest should not be canceled, at least not on account of
the present state of knowledge because we do not want any paralysis of public life, and
because we want to make it clear that life carries on despite these appalling terrorist
attacks."
Although the entire festival was not canceled, several events were canceled or
restricted. The traditional opening ceremony and tapping of the first keg was canceled.
Pfc. Scott Patterson, a
U.S. Army military policeman, chats with a German policeman at the Oktoberfest in Munich,
Germany, on Tuesday. U.S. and German MPs are helping the German police force provide
security for the festival. |
The final fireworks display was canceled, and the money donated to a fund for victims
of the attack.
In his news release, Ude emphasized, "It is important for all of us to make it
clear — under the shock of events in the United States — that mourning for the
dead, sympathy with the relatives, solidarity with the Unites States and concern for peace
are top priorities of the city of Munich, too."
But people are making the best of the festival, which lasts through Oct. 7, heading to
the beer halls and downing liters of some of Bavaria’s finest brews. In fact, this
may be the perfect time for people who may have passed up previous Oktoberfests because of
the crowds.
"After hearing the news, we were a bit worried about coming," said Senior
Airman Daniel Hansen of RAF Lakenheath, England, who along with his friend Kalena Dean
arrived at the festival on Tuesday.
"But once we got here and had something to eat and a few drinks, everything is
OK."
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