Munich Oktoberfest offers free shorts to combat upskirting problem

Munich's Oktoberfest organizers have launched a protective measure offering free shorts to women attending the festival, responding to widespread concerns about upskirting incidents. The distribution program emerged after thousands of voyeuristic videos surfaced on social media platforms, documenting non-consensual recordings of attendees in traditional clothing.

The festival, which draws millions of visitors annually to Bavaria, has faced mounting criticism over security lapses and attendee safety. Women wearing traditional dirndl dresses—the iconic attire associated with Oktoberfest celebrations—have become particularly vulnerable to covert filming by individuals using hidden cameras or smartphones.

Organizers framed the shorts initiative as part of a broader safety enhancement strategy for the event. The measure reflects growing pressure from advocacy groups and attendees demanding concrete action against voyeurism and harassment at public gatherings.

The problem of upskirting at major festivals and public events has drawn increasing attention from law enforcement agencies across Europe in recent years. Several countries have introduced or strengthened legislation specifically criminalizing non-consensual image creation and distribution.