Oktoberfest took place, though with some restrictions, on September 22 through
October 7, 2001. Munich's Council of Elders agreed not to cancel
Oktoberfest in 2001 due to the terrorist acts on September 11, 2001
in the United States of America. Mayor Christian Ude said that there
is a shadow over this year's fest and we must accept this reality.
However it will be held, "because we do not want a paralysis
of the public life, and because we would like to make clear that
the life continues despite terrible terrorist attacks." Mayor
Ude stressed that "it is important to us all to make clear
that under the shock of the events in the United States the city
Munich also mourns the dead ones, and that commiseration and solidarity
with the American people are the center of attention."
The
security situation during the coming fest cannot be defined at this
time yet. The chief of the police and the director of the state
criminal police agency explained that naturally the abstract endangerment
position is higher than before the events. That applies however
generally to the public life in Europe and is not limited to the
Wiesn only. There is however no referring to concrete endangerments,
which suggest or require the cancellation of the event.
As
for the restrictions for Oktoberfest, Mayor Ude said, that "we
are all well aware of the fact that the Wiesn cannot be what it
was in the previous years." Therefore all the activities will
be limited to the area of the Wiesn and the city will not be included.
• Thus,
the Grand Entry that usually moves through the city and in this
way involves lots of people, will be cancelled.
• The
opening of Oktoberfest in the city will be different, too. It will
not be performed as a merry scene of tapping, but a few words will
be said, why the city of Munich holds this celebration despite the
difficult situation.
• The
market buyers will be offered to refrain from their fireworks, which
would be visible in the entire city, and the costs instead will
be donated to the fund for the victims.
• A
large service will be given on one of Oktoberfest days with participation
of all the visitors. On this day the Wiesn will open later, presumably
at 12 o'clock.
• The
Trachtenzug (Costume und Riflemen's Procession) will take place
in any case, because it is almost a manifestation of the peoples'
friendship. It would be absolutely incomprehensible to cancel it.
But we want to adapt the character of the procession to the special
situation. Thus, it should not be a jubilant procession, but the
one showing the cultural variety and friendliness.
• The
broadcasts form Oktoberfest should be limited. It relates to TV-
and Internet transmissions.
There
are opinions which say that under the given circumstances such celebration
is not appropriate. Everybody is welcome, but nobody is forced to
go and celebrate on the Wiesn.
