02/12/2026February 12, 2026Carnival security remains ‘abstractly high’ in Cologne
Police are saying the security alertness during Carnival days is still high as Fat Thursday, or “Weiberfastnacht,” kicks off street celebrations in Germany’s major Carnival hubs.
The street Carnival season begins on Thursday at 11:11 a.m. with a day of celebration specially dedicated to women.
In Cologne alone, authorities expect hundreds of thousands of people to attend celebrations. To manage the crowds, the public order office is deploying up to 400 staff, along with around 2,600 security personnel from external service providers. Police are also sending up to 1,500 additional officers.
Last year, Islamists suspected of belonging to so-called Islamic State (IS) used social networks to call for attacks — including on Cologne’s celebrations.
The security assessment remains one of caution. Police classify the situation as “still abstractly high.” Cologne police director Martin Lotz said there were no concrete indications of planned attacks, including against large gatherings, but warned that authorities must be prepared for anything.
“It is as quiet or as unsettled as in recent years,” Lotz said.
Meanwhile, Cologne Mayor Torsten Burmester has warned visitors to the city against excessive revelry and drinking.
“It’s wonderful when people come to Cologne because they appreciate the vibrant nightlife here,” the politician told the dpa news agency. “It’s also clear that we mustn’t let this degenerate…”
“There’s no right to do things here that you wouldn’t be allowed to do in your own hometown,” he said.
Weather conditions may put a dampener on things. Germany’s DWD national weather service says carnival participants should expect a rainy start, with repeated and sometimes prolonged rainfall through Friday. Forecasters also warned it could become windy, with strong to stormy gusts possible in connection with showers.
In various places, especially along the Rhine River, women storm town halls and symbolically take power.
“Weiberfastnacht” dates back to the Middle Ages, when rigid gender roles were temporarily overturned during carnival. A tradition of cutting off men’s ties emerged only after 1945 and has been declining, partly because fewer people wear ties nowadays.