Germany’s Oktoberfest opens in shadow of refugee crisis as Munich becomes a flashpoint

Munich taps the keg Saturday on its Oktoberfest, the world’s biggest beer festival with six million revellers expected, just as the German city grapples with a record refugee influx.

The celebration of traditional Bavarian culture with its oompah music and beloved frothy beverage will kick off at midday in the city when Mayor Dieter Reiter hammers open the first beer barrel and pours a drink.

While the mood in town in the run-up to the 16-day event remains undauntedly festive, Munich has had to plan its huge annual party just as it became a flashpoint of Europe’s migrant crisis.

More than 20,000 people, many of them Syrians, Afghans and Iraqis fleeing war and persecution, have descended on the city of 1.4 million on each of the last two weekends. 

They were met with a overwhelmingly positive reception from the public, including an outpouring of donations.