Builders began putting up the festival grounds for Munich's famous Oktoberfest on Monday morning, about two and a half months before the beer-soaked festivities will kick off on the Theresienwiese fairgrounds, known locally as the Wiesn.
Oktoberfest, which bills itself as the largest folk festival in the world and draws millions of visitors each year, is scheduled to run from September 21 to October 6.
This year, set-up work began even earlier than usual, after the operators of the tents and kitchens at the festival complained that preparations have become increasingly complex.
A big remaining question is how much beer will cost. City officials in Munich plan to announce the prices in the middle of the coming week.
Beer at Oktoberfest is traditionally sold in a litre-sized glass mug known as a Mass, and the price in some Oktoberfest tents hit €14.90 ($16.03) last year, although the average was €14.18.
Many expect the cost for a litre at the priciest tents to crack the €15 mark this year.
Munich officials are currently reviewing planned drink prices submitted by pubs and breweries ahead of the festival to decide whether the prices are reasonable.
Bottles of mineral water also cost over €10 in many cases in 2023, although last year Oktoberfest also introduced free drinking water fountains for the very first time.
This year, plans call for 10 water fountains on the festival grounds, double the number from last year.
