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Since 1925, the Wiesn opening is signalled by the Saturday morning Grand Entry of the Oktoberfest landlords. Draught horses decked in festive harnesses pull flower-decorated brewery wagons through the city. They are accompanied by brass bands and brewery owners, families, and workers in traditional costume.

The Grand Entry is followed by the opening ceremony in the oldest Wiesn beer tent, Schottenhamel. At noon, Munich’s mayor taps the first beer barrel and says “O’zapft is!” – the barrel is tapped.

Beer is king in the large tents, where patrons link arms and sway to the music of brass bands, and challenge each other to drink yet another Maß or litre. The motto is: “Everyone has a right to his or her own beer heaven.” For a less beery ambience, visit one of the smaller tents, such as Fischer Vroni.

Entire oxen are roasted on a spit right before your eyes. A portion of roast oxen or a pork hock with crackling are just two of the traditional and hearty Bavarian treats served up at the Oktoberfest. Some 100 oxen are slaughtered for the Wiesn every year.

The air is not only filled with the smell of beer but also with the tantalizing aroma of grilled fish – Steckerlfisch (fish on a stick) – prepared on a charcoal grill.

Welcome one and all to this cabaret – a Wiesn fixture since 1871. Today you can still watch acts such as the “beheading” of a living person on the guillotine.

Another old-time tradition: the tiny trained creatures and their lord and master have entertained spectators for over half a century. The flea circus is an absolute must for all fans of yesteryear.

With traditional amusement rides such as the merry-go-round, clay-pigeon shooting, and the sedate Crinoline, or the latest thrilling attractions such as Euro-Star, Freefall, and several roller-coasters – there’s something for everyone, from children to adrenaline addicts. The slowly rotating giant Ferris wheel offers a spectacular view of the scenery.

On 29 September 1980 at about 10:30pm, a bomb exploded near a Wiesn exit. Thirteen people were killed and more than 200 were injured. A stele stands as a reminder of the attack carried out by a neo-Nazi.

In 1843, Ludwig I commissioned Leo von Klenze to build the Ruhmeshalle (Hall of Fame) on the Theresienhöhe; today, it houses the busts of famous Bavarians. The colossal statue of Bavaria by Ludwig Schwanthaler (cast in ore by Ferdinand von Miller) rises in front of the hall. A platform inside the statue’s head offers a spectacular view of the Wiesn.