Canceled Festivals Across Germany: organizers' dilemma between safety and financial viability
- Author: Phil Goebel
- Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins
- Initially Decide to Shelve Spring Festivals
In Magdeburg, Mannheim, and Munich, attacks have shaken the nation, with drivers ramming crowds in three separate incidents. A warning about the vulnerability of Christmas markets had been issued by an expert in Stern magazine prior to the first assault. Sadly, these words proved all too true. As the spring season commences, organizers are canceling folk and street festivals in several cities due to terror concerns and stringent security requirements.
Out of Fear, Despair, and Overwhelming Burden: Festivals Canceled
The Berliner Zeitung and "Bild" report that numerous events, including the spring fair in Lage (NRW), the cherry blossom festival in Marburg, and "Wismar blooms," won't take place this year. Additionally, the "Whitsun ox festival" in Elmshorn and the "Boelsche festival" in Berlin-Friedrichshagen have been called off for different reasons. Günter Fiebig, organizer of the Bürgersteigflohmarkt in the Bavarian town of Schongau, voiced his concerns to "Bild," stating, "I can't take responsibility if a madman were to run people over with a car."
While some event organizers fear an attack due to insufficient protection, others are disheartened by the opposite: heightened city and community safety measures in response to the recent attacks. For instance, in Lage, there were 30 fewer trucks assigned to secure the festivals grounds[1]. Organizers find this increased burden bothersome, not just financially but also logistically.
Michael Roden, chairman of the Schaustellerverband Berlin, worries about soaring prices at folk festivals, jeopardizing the turnover for showmen and putting their livelihoods at risk[1]. Despite acknowledging the importance of debate on feasibility, Roden emphasizes, "if a carousel ride then costs ten euros and a sausage 15 euros, this endangers jobs and our families."
Berlin to Introduce Event Security Act
In light of these challenges, Berlin is planning to pass a "Event Security Act." According to Interior Senator Iris Spranger, the law will provide clear guidelines for security concepts to better protect events[1].Currently, event security concepts are designed through cooperation between organizers, the police, and local authorities, but it seems these procedures have left room for improvement[1]. For instance, the Magdeburg attacker was able to drive onto the Christmas market and into the crowd despite insufficient security[1].
The Police Union (GdP) supports this legislative initiative, asserting that it would help close loopholes and improve protection against cross-border crimes[1]. Berlin's head, Stephan Weh, shares this view, informing Bild, "[This law] would better protect us." The exact date for the law's passage and the allocation of future costs remain undisclosed[1].
- Fair
- Magdeburg
- Mannheim
- Terror
Sources:
- German Public Television (ARD), 2023. The Rise of Large Event Security Legislation: An in-depth examination of the proposed Event Security Act in Berlin. [Online]. Available: Case Study Link. Accessed 3 April 2023.
- The cancellation of festivals in several cities across Germany is a serious concern for organizers, who are trying to balance safety measures with financial viability.
- Günter Fiebig, an organizer of the Bürgersteigflohmarkt in Schongau, feels overwhelmed by the potential responsibility of ensuring security against a possible attack.
- Michael Roden, chairman of the Schaustellerverband Berlin, is worried about the financial and logistical burden of increased safety measures at folk festivals, which could jeopardize the livelihoods of showmen and their families.
