The Post-War-Era
As a result of World Wars I and II, Oktoberfest activities could not take place. Finally, in 1950, mayor Thomas Wimmer established a new Wiesn tradition: high noon on the first day of the Oktoberfest the respective mayor taps the first beer barrel in the Schottenhamel tent shouting "Ozapft is!" ("the barrel has been tapped"). 1980 a tragedy took place: in a bomb attack at the main entrance, 13 visitors died, 200 were injured..
1984 the beer was tapped from metal containers for the first time - but since the containers are made to look like wooden barrels, at least their appearance hasn't changed. 1999 the 166th Oktoberfest took place: 6,5 million visitors drank 5,8 million "Mass" (litres) of beer and devoured 84 oxen, 320,000 sausages and 589,000 roast chicken.
The Oktoberfest is the biggest fair of the world and it's known worldwide. What's special and attractive about the Oktoberfest is its ability to combine a celebration for the locals and an international mega-event, a combination of traditions and high-tech, new ideas and influences.