Oktoberfest 2024 is Here: All You Need to Know

GermanyfestivaltravelOktoberfestbeer

Share:

Oktoberfest is back!** The world's largest folk festival has kicked off in Munich, Germany, with thousands of beer lovers celebrating the 189th start of the festival. Mayor Dieter Reiter officially tapped the first keg at noon on Saturday, signaling the start of the 16-day event. This year's Oktoberfest includes stepped-up security measures due to a deadly knife attack in Solingen. 6 million visitors are expected, each paying between 13.60 and 15.30 euros for a 1-liter mug of beer. Mikael Caselitz, a local, recommends everyone travel to Munich for the festival at least once in their lives. Ollie Standen, an exchange student from England, is excited to try different German beers. Don't miss out on the fun!

Germany
festival
travel
Oktoberfest
beer

Related articles:

Musk's Support for Far-Right AfD Party Sparks Outrage in Germany

far-rightelectionGermanyElon MuskAfD

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk has caused controversy in Germany by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party in a newspaper article. Musk's support for the AfD, which is polling strongly but faces opposition from other parties, has led to a debate over free speech and the role of social media. The German government has criticized Musk's interference in the country's elections, and his comments have been rejected by major parties.

Elon Musk Backs Germany's AfD, Sparking Controversy

PoliticsGermanyElon MuskElectionAfD

Tech billionaire Elon Musk has sparked controversy in Germany by backing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party ahead of the country's February election. Musk praised the AfD's approach to regulation, taxes, and market deregulation, and claimed that it was the last spark of hope for the country. However, his comments have been met with criticism from political leaders and journalists, who have accused Musk of wanting to plunge Germany into chaos and compared him to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

New Year's Weather Chaos: Travel Disruptions, Heavy Rain, and Snow Across the UK

UKtravelweatherNew Year's EveHogmanay

Buckle up for a wild New Year's celebration!** The UK is bracing for a week of extreme weather, with multiple yellow weather warnings in place from Monday to Thursday. Gusts of up to 70mph and heavy downpours could lead to travel disruptions, flooding, and blizzard conditions. Hogmanay celebrations are at risk, and up to 25cm of snow is expected in some areas. Stay informed, check for updates, and secure loose items outside your home.

German Interior Minister Slams Far-Right AfD Over Christmas Market Attack

far-rightpoliticsGermanyAfDChristmas market attack

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has called out the far-right AfD party for exploiting a tragic Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany. Faeser urged the party to stop using the attack for political gain, noting that it only shows their character. The attack, which killed five people and injured over 200, has sparked a debate on migrant and security policy in the country.

Earliest Evidence of Christianity Found North of Italy

archaeologyGermanyhistoryChristianityinscription

Big news!** The earliest known evidence of Christianity north of Italy has been discovered by archaeologists! This amazing artifact, called the Frankfurt silver inscription, was found in a third-century grave in Hesse, Germany, and dates back to between 230 and 260 AD. The inscription, written in Latin, invokes Saint Titus and Jesus Christ, and is one of the 'most important testimonies of early Christianity' worldwide. Here are some exciting key points about this discovery:

Major Rail Disruptions Expected Across the U.K. Today!

uktraveldisruptionsrailnationwide

Big Trouble on the Rails Today!
Bad news for commuters in the U.K. today!

A nationwide fault is causing major disruptions across the rail network.

What's Going On?
The communication system used between train drivers and signallers is affected.

What Does That Mean?
Trains across the network are having to start their journeys later.
Some may also be subject to cancellations or alterations.

What Should You Do?
Passengers are being advised to check before they travel.

Stay Updated!
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app.
You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

This is a developing story, and we will continue to update it as more details become available.

Angela Merkel's Memoirs: Reflections on Freedom, Power, and Diplomacy

politicsGermanydiplomacydemocracymemoirs

In her new memoir, "Freedom: Memoirs 1954-2021", former German Chancellor Angela Merkel reflects on her childhood in East Germany, her political awakening after the fall of the Berlin Wall, and her experiences dealing with world leaders like Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Merkel shares her thoughts on the rise of anti-immigrant parties in Europe, the importance of multilateral cooperation, and her hopes for the future of democracy. She also offers advice for dealing with difficult political situations, urging leaders to approach them "without fear".

Deadly Plane Crash in Costa Rica Leaves Five Dead, One Critical

plane crashtravelaccidentCosta Ricatourism

A small plane carrying six people crashed near Pico Blanco mountain, southeast of Costa Rica's capital, San Jose, on Monday. The aircraft, a Cessna 206 Stationair, lost communication and disappeared from the radar shortly after midday. The crash left five people dead and one person in critical condition. The passengers were all from Costa Rica and were working in tourism companies. The cause of the crash is yet to be officially determined.

Beware of Storm Bert: Travel Disruptions and School Closures Across the UK

ukstormtravelweatherschools

Storm Bert** is on its way, bringing heavy snowfall, rain, and strong winds to parts of the UK this weekend. Scotland is under an amber snow alert, with roads becoming treacherous and numerous schools closed. South-west England, north Wales, and northern Scotland have also experienced heavy snowfall, leading to school closures and transport disruptions. Stay safe and updated with local weather warnings and travel advice.

Mysterious Damage to Baltic Sea Data Cable Raises Alarms in Germany

GermanyFinlandBaltic SeaData CableSabotage

Something fishy is going on in the Baltic Sea!** Germany's defense minister, Boris Pistorius, suspects sabotage after a data cable between Germany and Finland was damaged. This comes after reports of a second undersea cable being damaged in the same maritime region where the Nord Stream pipelines were sabotaged in 2022. Is this just a coincidence? Or is there something more sinister at play?

Polish Leaders Criticize Scholz-Putin Talks Amid Russian Attacks on Ukraine

UkraineRussiaGermanyWarPolandDiplomacy

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk Slams Telephone Diplomacy & President Andrzej Duda Condemns Scholz-Putin Talks

  • Tusk: Telephone diplomacy ineffective, real support needed
  • Russia's massive attack on Ukraine's energy sector
  • Duda: Scholz-Putin talk a mistake, doubt agreed with allies
  • German Chancellor Scholz spoke with Kremlin leader Putin after 2 years
  • Ukraine's Foreign Minister Sybiha: Latest attack Putin's response to recent calls & visits

Read full original articles:

Finnish Undersea Cable Linking to Germany Disrupted: Could Russia Be Behind It?

RussiaGermanyFinlandundersea cablecybersecurity

Something strange is happening with Finland's undersea cables.** A vital link between Helsinki and Germany, the C-Lion1 cable, has suddenly stopped working. Cinia, the Finnish state-controlled cyber-security and telecoms network company, suspects that it may have been severed by an outside force. But could it be something more sinister?

FLASH: Spirit Airlines Files for Bankruptcy!

traveldebtbankruptcyairlinesSpirit Airlines

What's Happening?** Spirit Airlines, the biggest US budget airline, has filed for bankruptcy protection and will attempt to reboot. Why? The pandemic-caused swoon in travel, a failed attempt to sell the airline to JetBlue, and looming debt payments of over $1bn have all contributed to this decision. What Does This Mean for You? Spirit expects to operate as normal and customers can continue to book and fly without interruption. However, it's a different story for employees, as required repairs to Pratt & Whitney engines have forced the airline to ground dozens of its Airbus jets, leading to furloughs. What's Next? The future of the airline remains uncertain, but one thing is for sure - this is a big blow to the airline industry and its passengers. Stay tuned for updates!

Tragedy Strikes: American Nurse Killed on Vacation in Budapest

crimemurdertravelHungaryvacation

Mackenzie "Kenzie" Michalski**, a 31-year-old nurse from Oregon, was found dead during her vacation in Hungary after she disappeared from a nightclub. An Irish citizen has been arrested in connection to her disappearance and suspected of killing her during an intimate encounter at his apartment. The suspect allegedly cleaned up his apartment, put Michalski's body in a suitcase, and drove it to Lake Balaton, where he hid her body in the woods before driving back to Budapest and getting arrested. Michalski's family and friends have started a Facebook group and a GoFundMe page to gather tips on her whereabouts and honor her memory. The suspect is currently in custody and awaiting trial, while the investigation continues.

Germany Sends Generators to Aid Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Amid Russian Attacks in Sumy Oblast

ConflictUkraineRussiaGermanyInfrastructure

Over in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, Germany has sent 100 generators to help the hromadas, or local communities, amidst ongoing conflict with Russia. These generators will be used in educational and medical institutions, critical infrastructure facilities, and wells. Meanwhile, Sumy Oblast has been hit 107 times in the past day, injuring a resident in Velyka Pysarivka hromada and damaging several buildings. The Russians used mortars, artillery, and FPV drones in their attacks, and also dropped explosive devices from UAVs. Germany and the Netherlands have also announced new support packages for Ukraine to help rebuild critical infrastructure. Amidst all this, you might be wondering - how is Ukraine coping with these constant attacks?

Read full original articles:

Iran Executes German-Iranian Political Scientist Amidst Outrage

IranGermanyexecutionpolitical scientist

Iran has executed a German-Iranian political scientist, Jamshid Sharmahd,** after years in captivity, sparking outrage in Germany and beyond. Sharmahd was accused of playing a role in a 2008 mosque bombing in Shiraz and leading the Tondar group, which aims to topple the Islamic Republic. However, his family maintained his innocence. Germany's foreign minister warned of 'serious consequences' for Iran's 'inhumane regime' after the execution. The Norwegian-based human rights group, Iran Human Rights, labelled the execution the 'extrajudicial killing of a hostage'.

New Zealand Airport Imposes 3-Minute Cap on Farewell Hugs

New Zealandtravelrulesairportshugs

Dunedin International Airport in New Zealand** has recently implemented a 3-minute cap on farewell hugs at its drop-off zone. The new rule is aimed at improving safety and keeping traffic flowing. Passengers and their loved ones can continue their goodbyes in the car park, where a free 15-minute visit is allowed. While some people have criticized the move, airport officials argue that it allows more people to get more hugs in a shorter amount of time. The rule has sparked a global debate, with people sharing their thoughts on the matter on social media.

Düsseldorf Pizzeria Nabbed for Selling Cocaine-Laced Pizza: A Summary

GermanyDüsseldorfpizzeriacocainelaw enforcement

What's the latest in German law enforcement?
In Düsseldorf, a pizzeria has been busted for selling pizzas with a dangerous side dish: cocaine. The owner, who had no previous criminal record, was arrested along with 15 others, and over €268,000 ($291,000) in cash was seized.

But wait, there's more!
Just two days after being released, the owner was back to his old tricks, offering the infamous 'pizza No. 40' again. This led to the discovery of three suspected suppliers and 12 other suspects, and the seizure of 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds) of cocaine and 400 grams (14 ounces) of cannabis.

The moral of the story?
Don't mess with German law enforcement or their pizza!

China Tensions Rise as Taiwan Reports Record Chinese Military Aircraft

USJapanGermanyChinaEUTaiwanMilitary ExercisesRegional PeaceCross-Strait Tensions

China-Taiwan Tensions Escalate:** Taiwan reports a record 153 Chinese military aircraft around the island during China's military exercises. Japan also expresses concerns over the military activity. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has been conducting military drills near the island. Several countries, including Germany, have recently sent ships through the Taiwan Strait in support of Taipei. The US and EU urge restraint and call for dialogue to resolve cross-strait tensions. Key Players: China, Taiwan, Japan, US, EU, Germany. Impact: The escalating tensions between China and Taiwan have implications for regional peace and stability. Question: What can be done to de-escalate the tensions between China and Taiwan?

Biden's Hurricane Visit Cancels Ukraine Defence Contact Group Meeting

UkraineBidenGermanyDefenceHurricane Milton

What happened?
Biden's visit to Germany for the Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting got cancelled due to Hurricane Milton.

Why is it important?
The meeting was set to take place at the level of state leaders for the first time, with Biden chairing. The change of plans may affect the group's efforts in supporting Ukraine's defence.

What's next?
The new date for the meeting is yet to be announced, and it remains to be seen how the change in plans will impact the group's work.

Read full original articles: