Oktoberfest Canceled For the First Time Since 1945 During World War II: 'It Hurts'

Oktoberfest boss Clemens Baumgärtner made similar statements about the cancelation, noting that he is especially sad for those who make their living at Oktoberfest, referencing employees such as festival hosts, carousel operators and food vendors.

“Nevertheless,” he said, “the Wiesn is a total work of art that you either do completely or not at all — and this work of art cannot be moved backwards or made in a smaller form.”

He supports the decision to cancel this year’s festivities, despite it taking an emotional toll on him.

“It is the right decision because — at least for the time being — we cannot ensure that we have a Wiesn that only gives pleasure to everyone, but does not pose any danger,” Baumgärtner said.

He continued: “Let’s do everything to ensure that we can celebrate a healthy, joyful, happy and fulfilling Oktoberfest in 2021.”

As of Wednesday morning, there have been 145,694 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Germany, with 4,879 deaths.

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