Since 1950, as tradition, the Mayor will tap the first keg and will then shout “O’zapft ist!” meaning “it is tapped!”. This will then signal the start of the non-stop beer drinking and dancing for the Oktoberfest guests.
Popular and folk music, marches and polkas will be played by the band. As the night wears on, the music is louder and more people begin to sing, linking arms and swinging their beer mugs. Some are standing and dancing on benches or even on the tables.