As millions of Germans get ready to celebrate the annual pre-Lent carnival season, police have increased security after a spate of deadly attacks and have warned the public not to dress up as police officers or carry replica guns as part of their costumes.
The city of Cologne, one of the main bastions of the Karneval traditions, has said it will deploy all available officers on the streets starting on Thursday, Weiberfastnacht or Old Wives’ Day, when the week-long season starts in earnest. There are street parties and women are allowed to cut off men’s ties and storm town halls with impunity.
