Carnival Preparations in Saxony: Narren and Police Ready for the Festivities
With just a few weeks to go until the Höhepunkt (peak) of the Carnival season, both Narren (carnival enthusiasts) and the police in Saxony are feeling well-prepared.
Police Collaboration and Security Focus
"The police are working closely with the municipalities and event organizers, adapting their response to local needs," the Saxon Ministry of the Interior stated in response to an inquiry. The attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market has placed security concerns at the forefront for many carnival associations.
Jörg Weiser, President of the Association of Saxon Carneval, emphasized that while some adjustments to security measures may have been made for individual parades, safety has always been a central focus. "We don’t have massive parades like Cologne, Mainz, or Düsseldorf," Weiser explained.
Radeburg: Balancing Safety and Festivity
The largest carnival parade in Saxony will take place on March 2nd in Radeburg (Meißen district). Depending on the weather, between 10,000 and 20,000 people are expected to attend. Kai Drabe, Chairman of the Radeburg Carnival Club, stressed that security has always been taken seriously. "However, it’s impossible to secure a parade in an urban area 100%," he said. "If that were the case, we couldn’t hold soccer matches in Germany anymore, where 50,000 fans pour into the streets after the final whistle."
Leipzig: Regular Parade with Heightened Awareness
In Leipzig, the parade will also take place as scheduled on March 2nd. "The Förderkomitee Leipziger Karneval e.V. (Leipzig Carnival Support Committee) is in constant contact with security and event authorities," said Steffen Hoffmann, President of the association. However, he declined to provide specific details for security reasons. Around 10,000 visitors are expected to attend the parade, weather permitting.
Carnival Celebrations in Other Parts of Saxony
Parades are also planned in other parts of Saxony, including Wittichenau, Bad Schandau, and Groitzsch. Local authorities are working to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
Safety Precautions and Public Cooperation
While the police and organizers are implementing enhanced security measures, they also urge the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity. Carnival enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the safety guidelines provided by the authorities. By working together, everyone can contribute to a safe and unforgettable Carnival season in Saxony.
