Oktoberfest opens in Munich with refugee crisis on doorstep

Munich

MUNICH tapped the keg last Saturday on the world's biggest beer festival, Oktoberfest, with six million revellers expected just as the German city is grappling with a record refugee influx.

The celebration of traditional Bavarian culture with its oompah music and beloved frothy beverage kicked off when Mayor Dieter Reiter cracked the first beer barrel with two mallet blows and offered a toast to a "peaceful" Oktoberfest.

While the mood in town in the run-up to the 16-day event remained undauntedly festive, Munich had to plan its huge …