Munich Oktoberfest attracts one million visitors

Munich, Sep 22: The first weekend of the 181st edition of the Munich Oktoberfest has attracted about one million visitors, the German department of labour and economy said Monday.

Besides local people, tourists have also come from Italy, Austria, the US, as well as Arab and Asian countries, Xinhua reported.

During the two days, about one million litres of beer have been consumed by the visitors.

More than 10,000 sausages have been consumed, the department said.

The Red Cross reported that a total of 19 people were treated for alcohol poisoning.

In addition, the police reported 49 arrests, a majority of them for petty crimes such as pick-pocketing and brawls.

Newly-elected Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter Saturday officially opened here the two-week Oktoberfest beer festival.

The history of Oktoberfest dates back to 1810, when Bavarian Prince Ludwig married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Since then, people have celebrated the anniversary of their wedding in the form of this beer drinking fest.

IANS