Ein Prosit!

The Germans throw the best keg parties on the planet. Also the biggest — at least if attendance figures at Munich's annual Oktoberfest are anything to go by. With an expected turnout of 6 million beer lovers from all over the globe, the Oktoberfest is one of the world's largest gatherings, and kicks off, for the 171st time, on Sept. 18. Known locally as the "Wies'n" (after the Theresienwiese, the open area where the festival is held), Oktoberfest is a

convivial debauch that sees the consumption of some 6 million liters of beer, 300,000 pork sausages, 600,000 roast chickens and, amazingly, 80 oxen. The yearly revelry takes place, of course, in huge beer tents, each with its own unique character, from the backpacker-friendly and decidedly raucous Hofbräu marquee, to the folksy Augustiner tent (the place to be if you want to see thigh-slapping locals in traditional costume) to the exclusive Käfer enclosure, which is catered by Munich's smartest delicatessen and aimed at those seeking a change of pace.

This year's festival will be launched at the Schottenhamel tent by the lord mayor of Munich, who has the honor of tapping the first keg of special Oktoberfest beer. Once the keg has been opened, the drinking will last until Oct. 3 — best pack some pills for headaches. For more information, visit www.oktoberfest.de.