Overview
- The Zissel, Kassel’s annual water festival first held in 1926, is celebrating its 100th edition with traditional highlights such as the Zisselhäring at the Rondell, the Fackelschwimmen on the Fulda and both land and water parades.
- Police said they will deploy more uniformed and plain‑clothes officers on festival grounds and at busy sites such as the Auedamm and Karlswiese to provide both visible deterrence and covert protection.
- Authorities will carry out increased person and vehicle checks and share threat assessments with state and federal agencies under an agreed security concept between the Zissel organizer and the city.
- Hessen Kassel Heritage removed oak processionary caterpillars from the Karlswiese where most rides stand so vendors and visitors can use the fairground without health risks from the infestation.
- Organizers expect the stepped‑up measures to change the festival atmosphere by making security more noticeable but say the precautions are meant to protect visitors and preserve the long‑standing civic traditions of the Zissel.