A year has passed since the outbreak of racism, and Syltmodifies its Pentecost celebrations.
** jetting off to Sylt once more**
After last year's uproar concerning racist chants towards "L'amour toujours" at a club on Sylt, the German North Sea island's largest island, hundreds are set to make a return this extended Pentecost weekend. Multiple Pentecost parties are also planned in the high-end resort of Kampen. As tourism chief Birgit Friese puts it, "around 2,000 to 3,000 guests are expected to visit Kampen solely for this Pentecost weekend."
A relaxed Kampen awaits the revelers
Reports of ticket sales in Kampen's bars and clubs indicate an atmosphere of eager anticipation. Friese expresses her excitement with, "we're eagerly awaiting many young people who will celebrate with us in the village and on the island."
Unfortunately, there are no previous year-on-year figures for Pentecost tourists on the entire island. In May 2023, Sylt Marketing GmbH (SMG) announced that 101,907 people had traveled to the island [1]. It's unclear if more recent figures are available.
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In the wake of the racist chants at the Pony Club on Sylt, the planned Pentecost parties are likely to face consequences. The club operator has revealed plans for "safe spaces" and entrance bands bearing anti-racism messages.
Racist slurs at the Pony Club: Under Investigation
Video footage showed guests chanting racial slurs, including "Germany for the Germans - foreigners out!", in sync with the popular dance track "L'amour toujours" by Gigi D'Agostino at the Pony Club in Kampen on Pentecost Saturday, 2024.
An investigation was launched into the matter, targeting several individuals, with three eventually cleared by the Flensburg's public prosecutor's office[3].
Perhaps you'll find this intriguing: Dobrindt's cold-hearted asylum policy carries numerous risks[4]
The racist chants at the Pony Club are not an isolated event; similar incidents have occurred across various federal states in the months prior and following the incident on the island[5].
[1] Sylt Tourism Statistics[2] Investigation into racist chants at a bar on Sylt[3] Dropped charges in the Flensburg Public Prosecutor's Office investigation[4] Commentary: Dobrindt's cold-hearted asylum policy carries many risks[5] Racial Incidents in Multiple Federal States
- Local authorities are closely monitoring social-media platforms amidst the upcoming Pentecost festivities in Kampen, with an increased focus on any potential signs of trouble reminiscent of last year's controversial event at the Pony Club.
- With a stern stance against hate speech and discrimination, the German government is considering revisiting policy-and-legislation regarding entertainment venues to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all during festive events like the Pentecost parties in Sylt.
- Crime-and-justice reports around the nation have highlighted a surge in racial incidents, leading politicians to scrutinize the entertainment sector and its role in promoting a harmonious and diverse society, a topic that recently topped the general-news headlines.
