The world toasts Oktoberfest

Every year, around seven million people travel to Munich for the Oktoberfest; among them are countless visitors from all over the world. Manuel (29) from Mexico has been living in Germany for one year. According to his colleague Macarena (27) from Argentina, "the traditional costume is just part of the game; it makes you feel integrated immediately and takes away feelings of being foreign."

Ashlee (23) from Australia, Simone (22) from Austria, Mathieu (22) and Thibaut (24) from France, and Petra (22) from the Czech Republic (left to right) all study in Salzburg, Austria. They have high expectations when it comes to the Oktoberfest. Petra decided to wear lederhosen. "It’s much more comfortable than a dirndl, whether you're eating or dancing on the table," she said.

Dana (60), Sue (56), Nancy (61) and Jeff (72, left to right) from the United Sates only know the American version of Oktoberfest. "That's often only one beer stall, but this here is huge," Dana said. The foursome now also wants to try German food in Munich. According to Sue and Nancy, it's a given that they're wearing dirndls. "We quickly bought these at the train station," they said.

Svetna (37) and Alexander (38, center) from Bulgaria have been living in Germany for 20 years and go to the Oktoberfest every year. Usually they bring their kids, but this time they're here with their friend Peter, who's visiting from Bulgaria. "Without the children we can go into the tents; I love the brass music there," Svetna said. "Tomorrow we'll have to line up for the rollercoaster again."

In one of the beer tents, Jun, his wife May (both 40) and their daughter April (4) from China enjoy drinking a liter of beer, or "Mass" as the locals say. April is only allowed to hold the beer for the picture. "We were in Switzerland before and only came to Germany for one day to go to the Oktoberfest," Jun said. "We also have a beer festival in Beijing, but this one here is much bigger."

Rose (42, left) and Lyn (47, right) from the US regularly come to Munich to visit their friend Rosanna (38, center). Oktoberfest is always a top priority for them. "But we usually only go in the morning, when the atmosphere is the nicest. It always gets way too crowded in the afternoon," Rose said. "I think everyone should come here at least once in their lifetime," she said.

Sherbir (23) from India is currently in Munich on business. He wants to come to the Oktoberfest four times while he's in town. "The atmosphere here is just amazing; I have never danced on tables before," he said. He's accompanied by co-workers today, including Steffi (37) from Germany. "I love the Oktoberfest," she said. That's probably why she owns four dirndls.

Marcia (33) and Lia (34, right) from Brazil are ready for a party marathon. "It's like a beer Disneyland here," Lia said. Her friend Marcia is wearing flip flops with her borrowed dirndl. But are they well-suited for crowded beer tents? "I only wear them while it is raining outside, I have a second pair of closed shoes in my bag," she explained.

Matt (32, middle) chose a special outfit for the Oktoberfest. He is wearing plush horns, a kilt and a plastic moustache. Matt and Shane (35, left), both from the US, are visiting their friend Matt (32) who lives in Tübingen. "People here are very nice. Unfortunately I still haven't manage to reserve a table in one of the tents - the system here is complicated," he said.

Radhika (34, right) from India has been living in Germany since 2007. Going to the Oktoberfest also has pragmatic reasons for her. "Being here and meeting people is the best cure for stress. The tension immediately falls off your shoulders and the atmosphere here is simply unique." Her friend Monica (32, also from India) added: "Foreigners are sitting at a table and all celebrating together."