The Americans are Coming -- And Wearing Silly Hats

Happiness to Albert Dietrich is the sight of a heavyset Yank, sporting a peaked felt Oktoberfest hat, lending his American-twang to the cacophony of voices filling the beer tents in Munich this week.

"They're here again, you can see it immediately. They're wearing our hats," said Dietrich, who heads the tourist organization Munich City Information. "Thank God they're here again."

The ritualistic drinkfest known as Oktoberfest opened over the weekend. For the next week, drinkers of all nations will unite, irrespective of color, sexual orientation or differences over military invasions of Arab countries.

Due to make a triumphal return are the Americans, who have stayed away in droves from Munich since the 2001 terrorist attacks. Nothing against the Germans of course, but Americans have avoided air travel in general over the past few years, preferring to stay home.

Of the 15 percent foreign representation at the Oktoberfest, a hefty portion is expected to be American. In all, organizers expect up to 6 million guests at the fest this year, which lasts until Oct. 3.

"We're looking for good drinking buddies for the entire day," one American told DW-RADIO. "There are Oktoberfests all over the United States. But I think this is the mother of all Oktoberfests."

In 1810, King Ludwig I married Therese, a princess from Saxony, and celebrated the occasion with a massive party for the common folk. By the end of the 19th century, the party had continued and added the massive tents in which visitors get absolutely plastered.

Today, there are 14 tents with seating for an estimated 100,000 people. Most are German, some hail from other European countries and, this year, they'll also be a few Americans. You'll be able to tell by the silly hats.