The world’s largest folk festival, Oktoberfest, has been cancelled because of the rapid COVID 19 spreading. This annual festival, Oktoberfest attracts around more than six million revellers in Munich for the two-week-long festivities, amassing more than €1bn in tourist dollars for the city. This year, the festival was scheduled to take place from 19 September to 4 October.
This cancellation comes after German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Germans not to be complacent as some parts of the country began relaxing lockdown restrictions as virus numbers showed signs of easing.
State premier Markus Söder told journalists that based on the current situation, he cannot imagine that such a large event would even be possible at that time. They have decided the risk is simply too great. It hurts, it is a huge shame.
In a tweet, Mr Söder said that this difficult decision with Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter, The Oktoberfest 2020 must be cancelled. The risk is just too high. You can neither keep your distance there nor wear a face mask. Living with Corona means living cautiously until there is a vaccine or medication.
Mr Reiter said he was sorry to disappoint the two million people who travel from overseas for Oktoberfest.
Under the coronavirus lockdown, most of large events and conventions are banned until 31 August. A recent slowdown in the rates of transmission has led to some optimism and some states have allowed shops to reopen.
Tags: Europe, Europe festivals, Germany, Oktoberfest
