The largest beer festival in the world in 2020 is canceled. This was announced today (April 21, 2020) at a press conference by the President of Bavaria, Markus Söder and the Lord Mayor of Munich, Dieter Reiter.
The decision to cancel the festival was made due to the risks associated with the distribution of Covid-19. Mass public events are prohibited in Germany until August 31, but this festival attracts too many people. Despite the fact that the festival was to be held in October, the authorities considered it inappropriate to hold such a large-scale event.
Oktoberfest is the world's largest beer festival, annually attracting 6 million people to the city of Munich.
Two weeks ago, Oktoberfest participants already put forward the idea of holding a mini Oktoberfest, which will be open only to local Munich residents and its environs. But this idea did not find support among the city government and was rejected.