13 of the wildest pictures from this year’s Oktoberfest in Munich

The 2016 Oktoberfest kicked off last week in Munich.

The festival runs for two weeks and attracts more than 6 million visitors every year, making it the biggest beer festival in the world. And while recent terror attacks in Germany may have put some people off, it seems that there are still huge crowds partying in the many beer tents.

Tourists and celebrities endured heavy rain and heightened security to enjoy some of the finest beers Europe has to offer.

Traditionally, Munich’s mayor starts the festivities by opening the first barrel of beer on September 17th.

The first Oktoberfest was in 1810 and was a five-day celebration of the Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.

Visitors and locals started queuing up in front of the 14 beer-tents very early in the morning to get a seat at on one of the sought after tables inside.

But not even the heavy rain could hold back real Oktoberfest-goers. The opening day is marked by an elaborate parade with floats and performers who protect their beautiful dresses with umbrellas and rain ponchos.

Weather conditions didn’t get any better so attitudes like this woman’s are essential when attending Bavaria’s so-called “5th season” of the year.

On top of the bad weather conditions, this year’s improved security measures in and around the beer festival made the journey even harder. The festival has been fenced off, large backpacks are mostly prohibited, and the number of stewards has increased.

Nevertheless, the tents filled up quickly and the fight for the first Mass — a one-litre​ mug filled with beer — started right away.

Along with beer, visitor’s can also order one of the various German specialties, like the “Hendl,” a roasted half chicken, or the “Schweinsbraten” pork roast.

But of course, the Oktoberfest is not only famous for its beer tents. There are also traditional candy shops that sell gingerbread hearts. You can choose one with a Bavarian message or even create your own personalised one.

In 2015, more than 7,500,000 litres of beer were consumed, more than 500,000 chickens were eaten, and there were 115 fairground attractions.

Besides millions of tourists from all over the world, celebrities like Kevin Spacey and Justin Bieber also attend the beer festival​ every year.

This year the Oktoberfest lasts one day longer. The Monday after the final weekend is a public holiday — which is probably welcome news for drunken revellers.

And while visitors are probably well aware of the strength of German beer, some people must have forgotten about it.