Braunschweig’s "Schoduvel": Increased Security Amidst Carnival Festivities
On Sunday, March 2, an estimated 200,000 revelers are expected to gather in Braunschweig, Germany, for the annual "Schoduvel" street carnival. Regarded as the largest carnival procession in northern Germany, the "Schoduvel" in Braunschweig, Lower Saxony’s second-largest city, promises a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
However, in the wake of recent terrorist attacks in Magdeburg and Munich, organizers have worked closely with police to enhance security measures for this year’s event. "We have deployed concrete blocks, truck barriers, and additional fencing," stated Karsten Heidrich, the parade marshal. "We have also increased the number of security personnel."
In 2015, the "Schoduvel" was abruptly canceled due to a terror threat. Since then, Heidrich emphasized that the security concept has been continuously revised, including after the 2016 terrorist attack on the Berlin Christmas market.
This year’s motto, written in the local Plattdeutsch dialect, translates to "Dear Jesters, Dear People, It’s That Time Again for the Schoduvel." Heidrich expressed, "We’ve witnessed since the end of the pandemic that people are eager to enjoy carnival again." Asked if he anticipates lower attendance in light of the terrorist attacks, Heidrich asserted, "We will not be intimidated." Favorable weather conditions could attract as many as 300,000 revelers to the streets of Braunschweig on March 2.
While intensifying security measures undoubtedly enhances safety, it also incurs significantly higher costs for the organizers. Heidrich declined to disclose specific figures but acknowledged that some savings have been made in the construction of the carnival floats. Additionally, the amount of candy distributed from the floats has been reduced from 30 tons to 25 tons. "Our aim is to continue hosting the Schoduvel despite the rising costs," emphasized the parade marshal. This year’s event is expected to feature approximately 4,500 participants.
Nationwide, around 3,500 parades, ranging in scale from small to large, are scheduled to take place before Ash Wednesday in early March. However, some parades, such as the one in Marburg, Hesse, have been canceled due to financial constraints.
The parade on "Ossensamstag" (March 1) in Osnabrück will also proceed with heightened security precautions. Karl-Heinz Budke, President of the Osnabrücker Karneval Bürgerausschuss, commented, "We have been tasked with even stricter requirements for our barriers, including the installation of additional vehicle barriers. We are committed to meeting these increased demands."
Similarly, the carnival procession in Hanover will proceed as planned, according to a city spokesperson. The security situation will be continuously reassessed, and the concept adjusted accordingly.
