Dusseldorf shrugs off Russian threats to gear up for Carnival parades
Carnival celebrations in the German city of Dusseldorf are gearing up to be the biggest in 20 years, unbowed by ongoing legal proceedings targeting a local float designer for his satirical depictions of President Vladimir Putin and the Russian Army.
Jacques Tilly has been indicted in Moscow for defaming Russian state organs for a series of floats, including one in which Putin bathes in blood in a tub painted with the Ukrainian flag.
The Russian judiciary has again postponed to February 26 the controversial criminal proceedings, which Tilly describes as ridiculous.
“Russia is a mafia state with a corresponding judiciary,” he said on Monday.
He deliberately will not send his own lawyer to Russia, he said. His response to the legal threats will be in this year’s works: “Better a bit sharper than holding back,” Tilly said.
Carnival President Lothar Hörning said he is “totally excited” about Tilly’s new floats.
“What makes us happy is this solidarity from all over the country,” said the managing director of the umbrella committee organizing the Dusseldorf Carnival (CC), Uwe Willer. “All Carnival strongholds have shown solidarity, as have many organizations far beyond Carnival.”
This year’s motto in the local dialect means, “We will stay colourful, no matter what happens.”
Dusseldorf’s main Carnival street parade on Monday will present itself in record-breaking size, according to the CC.
The parade takes place each year on the Monday before the start of the Christian fasting season of Lent, which is Shrove Monday known locally as Rose Monday.
This year, a total of 11,000 participants, 124 floats and 116 walking groups are involved, the largest Rose Monday parade in the city for at least 20 years.
The enthusiasm for Carnival remains unbroken, according to the CC: “The membership numbers of the Carnival clubs are rising.”
Thousands of police officers on patrol
Several thousand police officers will ensure safety during the street carnival in Dusseldorf. “From my point of view, we are very, very well positioned,” said Hörning.
In the old city, a ban on glass will again apply, which has significantly reduced the number of injuries.
With mobile rescue teams, it has also been possible to significantly reduce hospital trips, said Dusseldorf’s Head of Public Order, Christian Zaum.
Now, after months of preparation, the revellers are hoping for sunshine. The Rose Monday parade is traditionally lined by hundreds of thousands of people. The parade route is 5.35 kilometres long.
The Carnival days
Dusseldorf’s street Carnival traditionally begins this Thursday with the storming of City Hall by women who cut off men’s ties and take the keys to the city from the mayor in a symbolic gesture of seizing power from men.
On Saturday, the children’s and youth parade with almost 6,000 participants is scheduled to move through the city.
On Sunday, tens of thousands of costumed revellers are expected on Dusseldorf’s main boulevard, the upmarket Königsallee.
The highlight remains the Rose Monday parade, then the next day on Shrove Tuesday evening, a farewell is said to this year’s Carnival prince and princess at City Hall, and the new motto for 2027 is announced.
On Ash Wednesday, this year on February 18, Carnival season ends officially with the burial of the Hoppeditz, the symbolic figure of an arch-jester dressed in red and white.
Ash Wednesday marks the start of traditionally sombre and reflective season of Lent, the 40 days of fasting that lead up to the highlight of the Christian year, Easter.
