The Bund Deutscher Karneval (BDK) is calling on politicians to provide more support for protecting carnival parades against terrorism. BDK President Klaus‑Ludwig Fess warns that many clubs risk running out of organization and money if help is not forthcoming.
Over the past years the costs borne by mostly volunteer‑run carnival societies have risen sharply. Fess told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitschrift (NOZ) that measures such as securing side streets should be financed by the state. “If the states do not allocate funds, municipalities then try to shift the costs onto the event organisers” he criticised.
Small, village‑style parades are hit hardest. Sponsorship income and charitable donations are falling, and membership fees alone rarely cover the security plans. A decline in carnival would affect Germany culturally and economically. According to Fess, Fasching, Fastnacht and Karneval generate more than €2.4 billion nationwide in hospitality, gastronomy, transport and trade.