Oktoberfest 2023 broke attendance records with 7.2 million visitors, marking the highest attendance since 1985. Even for its 175th anniversary, just a slight dip in attendance occurred, with 7.1 million people attending. Clemens Baumgartner, the head of Oktoberfest, shared this news at the end of the extended 'XXL-Wiesn.'
In terms of alcohol consumption, this year saw a slight decrease. From September 16 to October 3, approximately 6.5 million liters of beer were consumed, down from 7.3 million liters before the 2019 pandemic. However, many visitors opted for non-alcoholic beverages, with over 50% more non-alcoholic drinks served, especially water.
The second Oktoberfest following the cancellations due to Covid-19 went smoothly, according to local authorities. Over 7,600 patients received medical assistance, primarily for minor injuries and ailments. Andreas Franken, the Munich police spokesperson, noted an increased awareness of sexual crimes in Munich, with a growing number of reports. However, he expressed surprise at some visitors' calm attitude towards drugs, with almost 370 guests caught with drugs, mostly cannabis and cocaine.
Amidst the celebrations, celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Harry Kane made appearances. The only thing missing this year, according to Baumgartner, was the 'Wiesn hit,' a popular Schlager-style song that captivates the crowd each year. In the past, songs like "Layla" and "Hey Baby" had been the festival's anthems. This year, Baumgartner suggested "Sarà perché ti amo" by the group Ricchi E Poveri as the potential 'Wiesn hit.'
Factors contributing to the decrease in alcohol consumption and increase in non-alcoholic drink consumption include the growing demand for non-alcoholic alternatives, health awareness, cultural shifts, marketing strategies, regulatory environments, and demographic changes.
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