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Carnivalists in Cologne (archive photo)
Photo: Roberto Pfeil / dpa
In Cologne, the first costumed people are already on the road for the Weiberfastnacht or are standing in line at Corona test stations.
But: Can you celebrate carnival when war breaks out in Europe?
According to the Cologne Carnival festival committee, it sends the wrong signal to cancel all celebrations: “Today the street carnival begins, which means that the revelers in Cologne mainly celebrate individually, outside or in the pub.
After two years of the pandemic, the longing for it is very great - and canceling with such a short lead time is not even possible from a purely organizational point of view.
From our point of view, it would also send the wrong signal.«
Certainly, the events in the Ukraine do not leave the carnival fans unaffected.
The thoughts of many revelers this morning are with the people in Ukraine, who are anxious about the next few days.
“But we have also learned in the recent past that carnival has an important function for people in times of crisis.” Letting a despot dictate the limits of cheerfulness is not in line with the carnival idea.
2G-Plus in the Cologne city area
A spokeswoman for the city of Cologne also announced that the reception of the triumvirate in the town hall would take place as planned.
All celebrations take place under strict corona conditions in the carnival strongholds in the Rhineland and in Rheinhessen.
In Cologne, at the high point of the session from Weiberfastnacht to Shrove Monday, a 2G Plus regulation applies throughout the city.
In addition, those who have been boosted must also present a negative quick test if they want to celebrate in a pub.
Compliance with the rules should be randomly checked.
In Düsseldorf, strict rules apply throughout the old town to prevent excessive partying in public spaces.
The street carnival in Mainz was canceled, alternative events are available online.
In Aachen, too, the traditional street carnival is largely cancelled, instead the celebrations are to be held in the restaurants.
The strongholds want to severely punish violations of the rules that apply in the “customs zones”.
kha/dpa