At the very beginning of the Wiesn, there is also a small gun salute: 12 shots are fired next to the Bavaria statue when the mayor has tapped the first barrel and shouted “O’zapft is! To a peaceful Wiesn!.” These shots are the signal to the other tents that the Wiesn is officially open and beer may be served.
Around 60 male and female shooters in traditional dress gather on the steps below the Bavaria statue at precisely 12 noon on the last Wiesn Sunday. Every shot not only makes a loud bang but also emits white smoke — that’s because rather than bullets, black powder is fired. The spectacle is musically accompanied by a brass band.
Gun salutes have been traditionally performed in Bavaria since the late 15th century. The custom was used to honor high-status individuals and to celebrate births, birthdays and christenings. It was also used to scare away evil spirits, and in several regions, the gun salute was used to warn against impending danger as recently as the 20th century. The Oktoberfest has always been closely connected with the custom of gun salutes.
