Essen, Germany – This year, revelers in Essen-Kupferdreh will shout “Helau” to their Rosenmontagszug parade on a Sunday, rather than the traditional Monday. The event has been moved forward one day as a precautionary measure.
Higher Security Requirements for Karneval
According to reports, the shift to Sunday, February 15th, is rooted in security concerns. To ensure safety during Karneval celebrations, the city of Essen has decided that the parades in Kupferdreh and Rüttenscheid will no longer take place simultaneously. A spokesperson for the city of Essen explained that coordinating the two parades on Rosenmontag has historically presented challenges.
“The nationwide increase in security requirements necessitates extensive preparations before the start of the parade, particularly in light of unforeseen events such as last year’s bomb threat,” the spokesperson stated. “This led to the joint decision to move the Kupferdreh Rosenmontagszug to the preceding Sunday.”
Nationwide, security measures at Karneval parades are being increased, including more barriers, police presence, security personnel, and stricter controls to enhance safety in large crowds. Some parades have already been canceled due to fears of attacks.
Bomb Threat Last Year
Last year, a bomb threat brought the Kupferdreher Rosenmontagszug to a standstill shortly before its start. Organizers were forced to cancel the parade, a shock to the thousands of Karneval enthusiasts who attend each year.
The organizing committee, “Festausschuss Kupferdreher Karneval e. V.”, stated on Facebook that the decision is not related to last year’s incident, but rather a desire to make the parade as safe as possible. They cited personnel shortages on Monday as a factor preventing them from running two parades on the same day.
Rosenmontagszug on Sunday is Shorter
The Karneval parade will now begin on Tulpensonntag at 1:11 PM at the intersection of Kupferdreher Straße and Deilbachbrücke, ending at Kupferdreher Straße/Post. The parade route will be significantly shorter than in previous years and will run in the opposite direction due to current construction projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Kupferdreh parade moved to Sunday?
The parade was moved to Sunday due to increased security requirements and to avoid scheduling conflicts with the parade in Rüttenscheid.
Was last year’s bomb threat a factor in the decision?
While the organizing committee states the decision isn’t directly related to last year’s threat, they emphasize the need to prioritize safety, which was heightened by the previous incident.
Will the parade route be different this year?
Yes, the parade route will be shorter and will run in the opposite direction due to ongoing construction projects.
As security concerns continue to shape public events, how might communities balance tradition and celebration with the need for increased safety measures?
