Germany's Karneval Kicks Off with Celebrations and Heightened Security

Festivities across cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Oberhausen proceed with joy despite increased safety measures and attendance concerns.

Tens of thousands of revelers celebrated Altweiber, marking the start of the street carnival in cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Oberhausen.
Heightened security measures, including 10,000 police officers in North Rhine-Westphalia, were implemented following online threats and recent regional attacks.
Cologne and other cities reported lower attendance compared to previous years, partly attributed to safety concerns and a longer-than-usual carnival season.
In Düsseldorf, festivities included the symbolic storming of the Rathaus, musical performances, and elaborate costumes as part of the city's 200th carnival anniversary.
Organizers and participants emphasized resilience, rejecting fear and asserting the importance of preserving cultural traditions like Karneval.