The Bonn police have made intensive preparations for the celebrations. A specially established preparation group began planning the numerous carnival operations back in December 2024. The police were and are in constant contact with the local authorities and the respective organizers. This year, the Bonn police will once again be deployed with a large contingent for the highlights of the street carnival next Thursday and the Rose Monday parade in Bonn, which is once again expected to attract several hundred thousand visitors. In addition to the large-scale operations, the Bonn police will also accompany numerous other carnival parades. A total of 155 carnival parades and events will take place in the area of responsibility.
"We have prepared ourselves well. We have also been in constant contact with the federal and state security authorities over the past weeks and months. There are still no indications of a specific threat to the carnival celebrations," says Police Chief Frank Hoever. "Our emergency services will be clearly visible and approachable along the parade routes and in busy areas of the street carnival. Please do not hesitate to speak to the police officers if you notice anything suspicious or report your observations by calling 110. We will always take early and consistent action against people who go overboard while partying and in suspicious situations," emphasizes Frank Hoever.
Absolute ban on carrying knives
In light of the rising number of violent crimes in public spaces involving knives, the police will once again carry out identity and bag checks at carnival events this year. Following the amendment to the Weapons Act in October 2024, the carrying of knives of all kinds is prohibited at public events. All public carnival events and all carnival parades are covered by the regulation. There is therefore an absolute ban on carrying knives at these public events!
Area entry bans
In the run-up to the carnival celebrations, the Bonn police have, as in previous years, issued area entry bans against people who have previously attracted attention in the area of violent crime. A total of 29 people have been contacted in recent weeks and informed of the measure. They will be excluded from the carnival parades and carnival events and will not be allowed to enter certain areas. Violation of the order will result in a fine of 250 euros.
Increased youth protection checks
Increased youth protection checks are carried out by the municipal public order service during the carnival period, supported by the police on an ad hoc basis. Children and young people who are found with alcohol or tobacco products will be asked to empty the bottles and hand in the packs. Further information can be found in the joint press release with the City of Bonn: https://www.bonn.de/pressemitteilungen/februar/kinder-jugendliche-sicher-und-froehlich-unterwegs-im-bonner-strassenkarneval.php
"No means no!" - Celebrate carnival in an exuberant and unharassed manner Despite the party atmosphere, one of the negative aspects of carnival is that people experience border crossings and sexual harassment, including assaults, at events, parties or in crowded places. With the campaign launched in 2018 under the motto "No means no!", the city of Bonn, the Bonn police and the advice centre against sexualized violence are sending a clear message: zero tolerance towards harassment and assault at carnival!