The march took place on October 31 along Kettwiger Straße past the Grillo-Theater to the Viehofer in central Essen. Coverage described a peaceful procession featuring horror makeup, fake blood and sinister clown faces. Attendance estimates varied between about 300 reported by WAZ and roughly 350 reported by NRZ. Regional outlets published extensive photos and video credited to FUNKE Foto Services and photographer Uwe Ernst. A follow-up piece on November 1 contrasted this year's turnout with larger crowds reported in earlier years.
