Germany's Rosenmontag parades see politicians lampooned, racism scorned
Hundreds of thousands of people have turned out for the Rosenmontag parades in several western German cities. Events in Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz drew the biggest crowds and laughs but this year, security was tight.
Cities at a standstill
Rosenmontag is the highlight of Germany's six-day long pre-Lent Carnival festivities. The annual event is a chance for the public to dress up in fancy dress, lampoon each other and watch or take part in the street parades featuring no-holds-barred satire. Despite the usual color and caricature, this year's events were a little more subdued following the the Hanau shootings.
Hearts beat for Hanau
A float featuring a crying Cologne cathedral could be seen along with a gigantic heart bearing the inscription "Our heart beats for Hanau." Several parade participants incorporated anti-racism messages into their floats in the wake of last week's tragedy. In several cities, the Carnival celebrations were paused temporarily for a minute's silence to remember the victims.
Police presence boosted
Security was tightened at all Carnival events. On February 19, a German man, with links to the far-right, killed nine people of foreign descent at a shisha bar and a cafe. A strong police presence was noticeable amid concerns of reprisal attacks or further violence by neo-Nazi groups.
No trademark tan
Donald Trump has been a regular victim of Carnival satire since his election in 2016. Rather than wearing his usual orange tan, the US president's face was depicted as being as white as a ghost — or perhaps clown, in this case. The float included the leader's new campaign slogan "Keep America Great," in time for his run for a second term.
The Brexit split
The Carnival festivities, which take place every February, are always a mix of topical and traditional themes. After Britain's departure from the European Union last month, Düsseldorf constructed a giant figurine of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's body split in two, with his kilt-wearing legs representing Scotland's bid for self-rule, attempting to run back to rejoin the bloc.
'Propping up the far-right'
German politics got, perhaps, the biggest laugh. The political scandal in the eastern German state of Thuringia has left many voters bitter. Mainstream political parties were accused of cooperating with the far-right Alternative for Germany to oust the longtime socialist leader. So in Düsseldorf's parade, AfD state leader Björn Höcke's Nazi salute is seen being propped up by CDU and FDP leaders.
Mood not dampened
Spirits remained high for Monday's parades despite grey skies and rain. Several Carnival events were canceled a day earlier due to Storm Yulia's powerful winds. Although organizers in Cologne and Düsseldorf had tried to move their parades to earlier in the day and shorten the routes, eventually they had to tell the expected crowds of tens of thousands to stay home due to the storm.