Oktoberfest 2011 ends, Munich missing 7.5 million litres of beer

Oct 3, 2011, 15:12 GMT

Munich - As another Oktoberfest closed in Munich on Monday, local officials trotted out another batch of superlatives for what has become one of Germany's best-known cultural events.

Among the most notable: 7.5 million litres of beer consumed (half a million more than in 2010); 6.9 million visitors; and only 58 fights involving the traditional mugs, or steins, popular at the fest (down from 62 the year before).

Festival organizers pronounced themselves happy with the turnout, especially after fears had been raised ahead of the event about a backlash against the new record price of 9 euros (12 dollars) for a litre of beer.

'This meadow is golden,' said organizer Gabriele Weishaeupl as she ended the 17-day festival characterized by 'warmth and radiance.'

Munich Mayor Christian Ude was also full of praise.

'The mood at the Oktoberfest was excellent, right up until the last day.'

Although the turnout did not set a record - that was in 1985, with 7.1 million visitors - spokesmen said business was nevertheless brisk. Along with the beer poured, they reported an 8-per-cent rise in the sale of non-alcoholic beverages and the consumption of 118 entire oxen.