The 12-day Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2023 kicked-off at MGM Cotai’s Roof Terrace yesterday, with the 13th edition of the festival once again held outdoors and seeing live performances by the HÖGL FUN BAND from Munich.
The event, which has seen over 170,000 guests throughout its 12 editions, lasts until October 23. MGM China Holdings Limited President and Executive Director Kenneth Feng Xiaofeng kicked off the festival with a beer keg tapping ceremony.
During his speech, Feng said: “Since MGM introduced the world’s acclaimed carnival Oktoberfest to Macau in 2009, Oktoberfest Macau at MGM has become an annual citywide brand IP event which perfectly manifests the synergy of gastronomy, creativity, culture, festivity and tourism”.
Meanwhile, Consul General of Germany in Hong Kong Stefan Bredohl, who was among the officiating guests, told reporters on the sidelines of the opening ceremony that “Oktoberfest for us represents a culture that is not only limited to Germany or Europe, but a culture that is understood globally, and therefore it is not by chance that the German music band HÖGL FUN BAND is present here today and that we can serve drinks and food”.
Bredohl said he believed that the transcending of boundaries that the culture represents is “a very positive sign and a very good signal these days”. He also pointed out that he was grateful to have the opportunity to celebrate the festival in Macau again after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, returning to perform in the city after three years, HÖGL FUN BAND vocalist Michael Högl told reporters that he was “very happy” to be back in Macau again, bringing both new and traditional songs with them.
The festival takes place at MGM Cotai’s Roof Terrace daily from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m., with a family day session slated for October 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Consul General of Germany in Hong Kong Stefan Bredohl delivers a speech during yesterday’s kick-off ceremony.
HÖGL FUN BAND perform during yesterday’s kick-off ceremony for the 12-day Oktoberfest Macau at MGM 2023 at MGM COTAI. – Photos: Rui Pastorin
