Munich Mayor Dominik Krause begins Oktoberfest beer tapping training

Munich Mayor Dominik Krause has begun training for the traditional Oktoberfest beer tapping ceremony. Five weeks ahead of the festival's opening on September 19, Krause visited the Paulaner brewery in Langwied to practice under the guidance of trainer Markus Hübner.

Krause, who has been in office for approximately 100 days, noted that while he has tapped kegs previously as Second Mayor, the official ceremonial tapping at the Schottenhamel tent is a unique responsibility. The training involves practicing with various barrel sizes to master the technique and avoid common errors, such as the tap jamming and causing beer to spray.

In Munich, the number of strikes required to tap the keg is a matter of public prestige. The goal is to complete the task in exactly two strikes, a feat first achieved by former Mayor Christian Ude in 2005. The ceremony will be broadcast live on television.