# Munich Oktoberfest ride decoration controversy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/munich-oktoberfest-ride-decoration-controversy
> Updated: 2026-09-04T08:37:00.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2.

A controversy has emerged at the Munich Oktoberfest regarding the redesign of decorations on the Teufelsrad ride. Following a determination by the city’s equality office that four papier-mâché female figures were offensive due to revealing clothing, operators repainted the figures with longer skirts and cycling shorts.

The modification drew criticism from festival attendees and various political factions in the Munich City Council, with some arguing the change distracts from festival safety concerns. 

In response to authorities requesting changes to avoid sexist and racist stereotypes, the Federal Association of Showmen and Market Traders announced a boycott of the traditional Oktoberfest tour. The association characterized the demands as “censorship measures” and “forced pin-up artistry,” with President Patrick Arens asserting that the design of business premises is a core competency of the entrepreneur.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Oktoberfest showmen protest redesign of ride figures

Showmen at the Munich Oktoberfest are boycotting the traditional festival tour to protest demands to redesign ride figures, which they label as “censorship.”

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oktoberfest-showmen-protest-redesign-of-ride-figures

### 2026-08-31: Oktoberfest ride decorations modified following sexism debate

Oktoberfest ride operators have modified 80-year-old papier-mâché decorations to address sexism concerns, sparking debate over whether resources should instead focus on preventing actual sexual offenses at the'

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/oktoberfest-ride-decorations-modified-following-sexism-debate

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Cite as: Munich Oktoberfest ride decoration controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/munich-oktoberfest-ride-decoration-controversy