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Friday 18 September 2020
The carnival brings hundreds of millions of euros to the strongholds every year. But in the Corona crisis, the risk of an outbreak is too great. Therefore, the North Rhine-Westphalia state government has decided to take a steady step: the buffoons and fools must stay at home.
Due to the corona pandemic, North Rhine-Westphalia carnivalists have largely to do without the traditional carnival on the street, in pubs and in dance halls. “Sociable carnival events” “are not possible” this year, said the head of the State Chancellery of North Rhine-Westphalia, Nathanael Liminski, in the evening after a crisis summit with representatives of the carnival in Düsseldorf. He called on carnivals to celebrate “at home in a small circle” this year. Small “cultural events” with a stage program, on the other hand, might be possible under Corona’s rules, Liminski said. “We recommend that cities ban alcohol and stay in hot spots.”
“We have looked at all the options in recent weeks and, sadly, have come to the conclusion that as things stand at the moment, only clear cancellation of social events such as reunions, balls, parties and parades can be made.” added Christoph Kuckelkorn, Chairman of the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee. . For the carnivalists, “health comes first. There can be no celebration at any price.”
Financial losses are great
Liminski referred to the applicable crown protection regulations: “No exceptions can be made here” for carnival, he said. “This also applies to the street carnival: a movement is prohibited in the street festivals.” Carnival must be prevented from becoming a source of contagion.
In recent weeks, more and more clubs in the Rhineland had canceled carnival parades and gatherings under their responsibility. They justified it with health risks, but also incalculable financial risks. This ultimately resulted in a confusing patchwork quilt.
A cancellation means massive economic losses for the carnival bastions. According to a study published in 2019, the estimated carnival-related turnover in Cologne alone is around 631 million euros. According to the study by management consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG), around 6,500 jobs in Cologne depend on carnival. The hospitality industry in particular profits from fools.
