Cologne and Düsseldorf: Mostly peaceful carnival start in the Rhineland
Despite bad weather, there were no major incidents in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Aachen and Bonn
Quick Look
- The start of the carnival in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Aachen and Bonn was quiet despite rain and cold weather.
- Police reported no major incidents, although there were fewer Jecken on the streets than usual.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The start of the carnival in North Rhine-Westphalia took place in cold and rainy weather. Many revelers used rain capes or thick fur costumes, others sought shelter under umbrellas, canopies or in bars.
It was cold and rainy, so it was anything but fool-friendly. But a few showers couldn't dampen the party spirit.
Many people had taken precautions in the carnival strongholds of Cologne and Düsseldorf - for example with rain capes or thick fur costumes - and didn't let the bad weather stop them from celebrating on the streets. Still others looked for a dry place under umbrellas, canopies or directly in a bar if there was still space there.
“The mood is great here, the weather could be better”: This is how WDR reporter Christina von Below summarized the situation in Düsseldorf’s old town in the evening. But later in the evening, the alcohol levels of the partygoers rise, which is why the police often have more work to do. However, the Düsseldorf police did not assume that much would happen.
Carnival in Aachen: no major incidents
The carnival session also got off to a quiet start in the Aachen region. The police were initially not aware of any major incidents. The largest event in Eschweiler was attended by around 500 Jecken - but they quickly retreated to the bars after the stage program ended, said a police spokeswoman.
The police control centers in Aachen and the region no longer expected any major operations around the start of the session because of the weather.
Bonn: Quiet start to the session
From a police perspective, it was a quiet start to the session in Bonn. The emergency services did not have a single operation, explained a spokesman when asked by WDR. However, there were only 150 Jecke in the market square. Apparently many people were put off by the rain.
Our sources:
WDR reporter on site
dpa news agency
Broadcast: WDR television, current hour, 6:45 p.m.
Open Questions
- How many Jecken took part in the celebrations in total?
- Were there any police operations later in the evening due to rising alcohol levels?
