Cologne, Germany: A Chaotic New Year's Eve

Cologne, Germany, has been the site of several mass sexual assaults, including the 2015 Cologne New Year gang rapes, in which 600 women were assaulted in the streets. The city has also seen other incidents of sexual violence, with reports of 1,200 women being sexually assaulted by 2,000 men at a party. In addition to these disturbing events, there have been other violent incidents in Cologne, such as a hostage situation that ended with the arrest of a suspect and the freeing of a captive woman.

Cologne sex attacks

On New Year's Eve 2015, Cologne, Germany, was rocked by a series of sexual assaults and robberies by gangs of men. More than 100 women and girls reported being attacked by groups of drunk and aggressive young men, with some victims describing being surrounded by 20 to 30 men who groped them and stole their belongings. The identification of the attackers as North African or Arab caused alarm in Germany, as the country had seen an influx of over a million migrants and refugees in the past year.

The attacks took place outside the city's main station, with victims describing a lack of police presence and little response from authorities. One woman recounted how she and her friends were surrounded and had their clothes pushed away, with the men trying to get between their legs. Another victim, named as Busra, spoke of a sense of lawlessness outside the station, with the attackers feeling they could do as they pleased.

The Cologne sex attacks had a significant impact on the public mood in Germany, changing perceptions of refugees and sparking a backlash against Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door refugee policy. The events also heightened concerns about integrating a record number of mostly Muslim newcomers into German society and led to a disturbing spike in attacks on refugee homes. German schools accommodated huge numbers of refugee pupils, and the government set up initiatives to encourage firms to hire refugees.

In the aftermath of the attacks, there were calls for a tougher response from the state, and Merkel promised to review asylum rules and make it easier to deport foreign criminals. However, three years on, the majority of the perpetrators have evaded justice, and only a handful of suspects have been held accountable. The vast majority of the men involved will likely walk free and continue living in Germany.

Cologne Cathedral attack threat

On 23 December 2023, German police announced heightened security at Cologne Cathedral following indications of a possible attack. The police said they would use tracker and sniffer dogs to check the cathedral after evening mass on 24 December and then close it off. They also said that security checks would be carried out on all visitors attending Christmas Eve Mass, who were asked to arrive early and avoid bringing large bags.

The security measures came in response to warnings of a possible attack plot by Islamic extremists. A 30-year-old Tajik man was initially detained, followed by three more suspects in the western cities of Duisburg, Herne, and Dueren. According to Cologne police chief Johannes Hermanns, all the suspects allegedly belonged to a larger network spanning Germany and other European countries. Local media reported that the attack was intended to be carried out with a car loaded with explosives.

On 24 December 2023, the cathedral's underground parking garage was searched, and explosives detection dogs were deployed, but nothing suspicious was found. Around 1,000 police officers were on duty around the cathedral as revelers began celebrating the end of 2023. Despite the threat, North Rhine-Westphalia's Interior Minister Herbert Reul encouraged people to celebrate and not stay at home, acknowledging that "Islamist terror is still a threat on German streets."

The heightened security at Cologne Cathedral was part of a broader trend of increased fears and security measures in several European countries during the 2023 festive period. Authorities in Germany, Austria, and Spain warned that radical Islamists could be planning attacks around Christmas or New Year. On 5 December 2023, European Home Affairs Commission Ylva Johansson stated that the EU faced a "huge risk of terrorist attacks" during the holidays.

Cologne Carnival

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval in German, is an annual festival held in Cologne, Germany. It is the city's most important festival, attracting over 2 million visitors each year. The carnival is a week-long celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season.

The carnival is steeped in tradition and history, dating back to Pagan times before Christianity. The inaugural parade in 1823 was a protest against the Prussian occupation of Cologne, with participants wearing pompous military uniforms to pervert the symbol of the Prussian military. The carnival is also known for its tongue-in-cheek atmosphere, with floats depicting current political and social themes in a dark or joking manner.

The carnival season, also known as the "fifth season", officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 am and continues until Ash Wednesday. The street carnival, a week-long street festival, takes place between Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and Ash Wednesday, with the highlight of the festivities being Rose Monday (Rosenmontag). During this time, the people of Cologne go out masqueraded, and the typical greeting is "Kölle Alaaf!", a Kölsch phrase meaning 'Cologne Above All Else'.

The carnival is led by three individuals known as the Dreigestirn or triumvirate, who hold the titles of Jungfrau (maiden), Prinz (prince), and Bauer (peasant). These individuals pay a large sum of money for the privileges, and the prince is considered the most important personage of the carnival. He leads the main parades throughout the week, and his float is the final one in the large parade on Shrove Monday.

The carnival features street parties, parades, and special events, with participants dressing up in costumes and masks. It is a time for people to come together, celebrate, and meet new people. The official carnival with its parades, balls, and stage shows is organised by the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival Celebration Committee). In addition, there are many autonomous carnival events throughout the city's bars, clubs, and local communities.

The Cologne Carnival traditionally ends with the burning of the Nubbel, a straw doll that serves as a scapegoat for all the transgressions committed during the carnival season. The ceremonial burning takes place on the night of Ash Wednesday, marking the end of the festivities and restoring the celebrants to a state of innocent forgetfulness.

Cologne's car-free zones

Cologne, Germany, has been working towards creating a more people-friendly and environmentally friendly city centre. The city has implemented various measures to reduce traffic, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for its residents. One notable initiative is the establishment of car-free zones in certain areas.

One such example is the Deutzer Freiheit, a shopping street in Cologne that has been transformed into a car-free zone as part of a twelve-month traffic trial. This project was initiated in response to a citizens' petition by residents of the West Rhine quarter, who advocated for prioritising pedestrians and cyclists over vehicles. The street witnessed the elimination of parking spaces, which were replaced with "city terraces," providing more seating and planters to enhance the boulevard's aesthetic appeal.

During this trial period, only residents are permitted to drive on Deutzer Freiheit, while bicycles are allowed unrestricted access. Motorists are only allowed to cross the street to access the adjacent residential streets. Delivery traffic is also restricted and can only enter the pedestrian zone during specified hours on weekdays. The section between Neuhöfferstraße and Graf-Geßler-Straße is excluded from the project to ensure the smooth flow of traffic.

The primary objective of this traffic experiment is to evaluate the impact of the car-free measures on the traffic situation and the quality of life of residents. The city authorities aim to analyse and compare the traffic conditions before and during the trial phase, taking into account the feedback and experiences of the citizens. This collaborative approach between citizens and the city government is intended to foster a successful cooperation that leads to a more sustainable and liveable urban environment.

In addition to the Deutzer Freiheit initiative, Cologne has also established an environmental zone, which came into effect on January 1, 2008. This zone encompasses the inner city of Cologne and its outer districts, including areas on both the left and right banks of the River Rhine. To enter this environmental zone, vehicles are required to display a valid green environmental sticker, indicating compliance with specific emission standards. The introduction of this zone has helped reduce air pollution and improve the overall environmental conditions within the city.

Cologne's Christmas market

Cologne, Germany, is famous for its Christmas markets, which attract millions of visitors each year. The city boasts a dazzling array of Christmas markets, from the splendid and popular market around the Cathedral to the Market of Hearts, and many different theme-oriented markets. With its first Christmas market opening in 1820, relatively late compared to other German cities, Cologne now offers a sparkling selection of festive delights.

The Christmas Market in front of the Cathedral is the most popular and well-known. With 150 stands in Roncalliplatz, it is expected to welcome over 4 million visitors annually. The classic red-covered stalls are set against the backdrop of the Cathedral's massive spires, creating a magical atmosphere. The food stands surround a stage where carollers and musicians perform, filling the air with festive cheer. At night, the market is illuminated with twinkling lights and a towering Christmas tree, making it even more enchanting. Here, visitors can indulge in delicious treats such as hot-off-the-griddle waffles, cheesy spaetzle, and mulled wine, while browsing handcrafted gifts and traditional decorations.

Another beloved market is Heinzel's Winter Fairytale, which takes over the Old Town's Alter Markt and Heumarkt squares. This market celebrates a local legend about gnomes helping craftsmen, and it is the place to go for traditional handicrafts, including woodcarvings and pottery. The main attraction is a large ice rink with skating lanes and an area resembling the sport of curling. A large beer hall with a second-story deck overlooks the rink, providing the perfect spot for spectators to enjoy a beverage and take in the lively atmosphere.

For those seeking a more picturesque setting, the Nicholas Village (Nikolausdorf) market does not disappoint. Nestled beside the Hahnen Gate, a remnant of Cologne's medieval walls, this market resembles an Alpine village with its half-timbered stands. The food and beverage options here are a favourite among locals and visitors alike, with queues forming for the popular potato pancakes. The market also offers a delightful selection of mugs and souvenirs.

The Angels' Market (Markt der Engel), located in a bustling shopping district in the city centre, is one of the original markets that restarted the Christmas market boom in Cologne in the 1970s. With its sprawling size and wide lanes, it offers a variety of ornaments, gifts, and festive treats. Adding to the charm are women dressed as angels gracefully floating through the crowds.

Cologne's Harbour Christmas Market, set along the banks of the Rhine River, offers a unique pirate theme. The booths are topped with pointed white tents resembling sails, and the beverage stands are designed as massive wooden ships. Here, visitors can indulge in fish sandwiches and purchase lighthouse ornaments, embracing the nautical theme.

For those seeking a more intimate setting, the official gay Christmas market, HEAVENUE, provides a fantasy land of unicorns, clouds, and rainbows. This LGBTQI+-friendly market features stalls adorned with colourful decorations, selling ornaments and treats. At night, pink and purple lights shine through the trees, and queens perform on a glittery stage, inviting visitors to dance and celebrate the season.

With its variety of markets, Cologne's Christmas festivities offer something for everyone. Whether you're seeking delicious treats, unique gifts, or simply wanting to soak in the magical atmosphere, Cologne's Christmas markets are sure to delight and enchant.

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