Thousands of beer lovers celebrated the 189th start of Oktoberfest, the world's largest folk festival, as Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter inserted the tap into the first keg of beer on Saturday.

Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter opened Germany's feted Oktoberfest by tapping the first barrel of beer at noon on Saturday, officially kicking off the world's largest folk festival. Reiter, a Social Democrat,

Oktoberfest will open after the ceremonial keg-tapping by Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter when he inserts the tap into the first keg at noon on Saturday

It runs through Oct. 6 in 18 large tents on the Theresienwiese fairground. About 6 million visitors are expected over the 16 days.