The Erfurt Oktoberfest wants to defy crises this year and take place again in the familiar manner. But a lot has changed since 2019.
Erfurt (dpa/th) – Erfurt is in the final sprint for the Oktoberfest. Around 48 showman shops have set up on the central cathedral square and are ready to use it from Friday up to and including October 31st, as the responsible store manager Sven Kaestner said on Thursday in Erfurt. That is almost as many as before the start of the corona pandemic. The Erfurt Oktoberfest will be officially opened on Friday (6 p.m.) by Mayor Andreas Bausewein (SPD) with the traditional beer tapping in the festival tent.
Especially in view of the current crises and concerns of the people, it is important to let the festival take place, said the city’s cultural officer, Tobias Knoblich. So this year’s Erfurt Oktoberfest is not just “a normal Oktoberfest, but a really important one”. After it had been canceled in previous years due to corona or carried out in a smaller version, everything should also take place in the old manner – even if the festival starts later than usual due to the celebrations for the Day of German Unity on the first weekend in October.
In addition to the roller coaster, haunted house and the like, the marquee with around 2000 seats should also ensure a good mood. According to Knoblich, things are “not quite as bad as in Munich and the prices are not as high”. Nevertheless, the Erfurt guests will have to dig deeper into their pockets compared to the past festivals. A beer costs 11.50 euros this year. In 2019, a liter of beer was one euro cheaper. Around 14 euros had to be put on the table in Munich.
Although price increases are not desired, they are unavoidable, said market master Kaestner. The showmen would also have to contend with rising prices. However, since the Oktoberfest is clearly a family festival, parents with children are recommended to keep an eye on Wednesday. Then, as usual, there will be a 20 percent discount on all attractions.
