Enhanced Police Presence During Carnival Days - Hesse braces for record Carnival cruise season with 16,000 officers on patrol
Hesse is preparing for its busiest Carnival cruise season yet, with celebrations running from February 12 to February 18. Over 16,000 police officers—the largest deployment in the state's history—will patrol streets and events to ensure safety. Authorities are urging revelers to stay vigilant and treat each other with respect during the festivities.
Carnival cruise in Hesse forms part of Germany's wider celebrations, alongside famous events in the Rhine region, northern Germany, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. While Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz host the most well-known parades, Hesse's own highlights include Fulda's Rosenmontag parade—the longest in the state—featuring around 250 floats and over 4,000 participants. Braunschweig's parade in northern Germany also draws crowds, with more than 6,000 active participants.
To manage the influx of visitors, Hesse's police force has ramped up patrols and checks, particularly around Carnival cruise parades and street parties. Officers will prioritise preventing crimes such as politically motivated offences, sexualised and anti-LGBTQ+ violence, robberies, and pickpocketing. Illegal weapons will also be a key focus.
Interior Minister Roman Poseck has called on attendees to look out for one another. His message emphasises mutual respect and collective responsibility to keep the celebrations safe and enjoyable for everyone.
The heightened police presence reflects the scale of this year's Carnival cruise in Hesse. With record numbers of officers on duty, authorities aim to curb crime and protect participants. The season's success will depend on both law enforcement efforts and the cooperation of revelers across the region.
