In pictures: Beer flows as Germany's Oktoberfest opens in Munich
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Reuters
The first beers have been served at the Oktoberfest beer festival in the German city of Munich.
About six million visitors are expected at the festival, which runs until 7 October.
Last year about 7.5m litres (1.6m gallons) were consumed during the event.
The festival began as a horse race staged to mark a royal wedding in 1810, with the first beer tents appearing later in the 19th Century.
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Reuters
Visitors were anxious to get good positions for the festival's opening.
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Reuters
Some attended in traditional Bavarian dress.
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Reuters
The first barrel was tapped by Munich Mayor Dieter Reiter.
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Reuters
The first beers were eagerly received by visitors.
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Reuters
Waitresses distribute the beer to revellers in several massive beer tents.
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EPA
Marching bands are a feature of the festival.
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Reuters
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Reuters
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EPA
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