German Carnival Events Face Heightened Security and Rising Costs
Police and local authorities implement stricter measures for Carnival celebrations as safety concerns grow following recent violent attacks.
- Authorities in Cologne, Germany, have introduced an extensive security plan for Carnival, involving 1,500 police officers, 300 city officials, and 1,200 private security personnel.
- Recent attacks in cities like Munich and Magdeburg have prompted heightened safety measures, though authorities state there are no specific threats to Carnival events.
- Costs for implementing security measures have significantly increased, forcing some smaller Carnival events, such as in Kempten, to cancel due to financial constraints.
- New safety protocols include vehicle barriers, expanded glass bans, and knife restrictions in celebration zones, alongside increased public education for attendees.
- Cities like Mainz and Braunschweig are finding creative ways to manage costs, with some events reducing traditional elements or reimagining their formats.