What's planned for New Year's Eve

Turn of the year - What's planned for New Year's Eve

Billions of people are looking forward to the new year 2024. In Germany, there was the usual debate about the sense and nonsense of private firecrackers and fireworks before New Year's Eve. For example, the German Medical Association called for a ban on firecrackers due to the enormous risk of injury.

The anticipation of the New Year in Germany is also overshadowed by the threat of terrorism and fear of riots - especially in Cologne and Berlin. In parts of Lower Saxony, people are still battling floods.

For most people in Germany, the weekend until Sunday evening is likely to be dominated by party plans, shopping and preparations for New Year's Eve and the New Year's Day holiday on Monday.

Fireworks may only be set off on New Year's Eve

The sale of fireworks began on Thursday and is only permitted until today. However, rockets and firecrackers may only be set off on New Year's Eve from 6 p.m. - at other times it is prohibited, although not everyone may be aware of this. In many places in Germany, there have already been violent clashes for days, and numerous incidents and accidents have already been reported.

"The political leaders should spend New Year's Eve in an ambulance or in an emergency room, then their view of the seemingly peaceful New Year's Eve fireworks would quickly change," said Klaus Reinhardt, President of the German Medical Association, according to a press release ahead of the New Year's Eve weekend.

High security measures at Cologne Cathedral

Following the terror alert for the cathedral, the police in Cologne are planning to put the world-famous church under tight security on New Year's Eve. Preparations will be made to counter "possible attacks", said the head of operations. It is possible that police officers with submachine guns will be seen. The measure was important to enable the population to celebrate peacefully.

Before Christmas, security authorities had received information about a possible attack plan by an Islamist group relating to New Year's Eve. Security precautions at Cologne Cathedral had already been increased for the Christmas celebrations. The cathedral has been closed to tourists until further notice.

Fearing a terrorist attack, the French interior minister has announced a strong police presence in the country for New Year's Eve. He has asked for the mobilization of 90,000 police officers, plus 5,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of firefighters, said Gérald Darmanin.

Fears of riots in Berlin

In Berlin, the police and fire department are making special preparations following the riots last New Year's Eve. There is an increased police presence with 4000 police officers on duty at night. An almost pleading video asked for respect. "Don't attack us. Don't fire firecrackers, rockets or alarm guns at us. You are liable to prosecution and could face several years in prison."

Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced in the "Tagesspiegel" that she would "crack down" on general outbreaks of violence or attacks on police officers. "Our emergency services have seen time and again that blind rage is carried out on their backs," she said. "The response to this must be a tough crackdown by the police, but also by the judiciary."

Traditional New Year's Eve party at the Brandenburg Gate

The traditional New Year's Eve party will once again be held at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It is set to be bigger this year than last and is back on the west side of the gate, after having been smaller on the east side in 2022. Fireworks are also planned again for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic. 65,000 tickets were offered for 10 euros each, but they did not go down so well.

ZDF will broadcast the show "Willkommen 2024" live from Berlin, with Chris Norman, Luca Hänni, Nathan Evans and Ella Endlich, among others, scheduled to perform. Andrea Kiewel and Johannes B. Kerner will host again. Oli.P reports from the approximately two and a half kilometer long festival mile and mingles with the party guests from all over the world.

Celebrations also take place in other major cities. In Sydney, a huge fireworks display is once again held at the famous Opera House. Impressive images of the celebrations are also expected from Dubai, Paris, London, Rio de Janeiro and New York.

It takes 26 hours between 11 a.m. CET on December 31 and 1 p.m. CET on January 1 for the entire globe to slide into the New Year. It begins in the island state of Kiribati, continues via Australia, Asia to Europe, South America, the US East Coast, California, Hawaii to the uninhabited islands of Baker Island and Howland Island back in the Pacific.

The year 2024 lasts longer than 2023 - as a leap year, it has 366 days.

Read also:

• Floods: water levels remain critical in many places
• Snow chaos further restricts Bavaria
• Extreme weather year: of masses of water and hurricanes
• "Zoltan" sweeps across the country - disruptions to rail traffic

1. Despite the threat of injury from firecrackers, many people in Germany still need to purchase fireworks for New Year's Eve, as the sale is only permitted until today.
2. The German Medical Association, led by President Klaus Reinhardt, has strongly advocated for a ban on firecrackers due to the high risk of injury.
3. Aside from the fireworks debate, Germany is also facing the concern of terrorism and potential riots, especially in major cities like Berlin and Cologne, during the upcoming New Year's Eve weekend.
4. The President of the German Medical Association, Klaus Reinhardt, has expressed his disappointment at the lack of consideration for the health risks associated with fireworks, stating that political leaders should experience the consequences firsthand.
5. In response to the terror threat, Cologne Cathedral will be under tight security during New Year's Eve, with police officers equipped with submachine guns patrolling the area.
6. The city of Cologne has heightened its security measures due to a reported terror attack plot by an Islamist group, aiming to disrupt New Year's Eve celebrations.
7. Following the riots on New Year's Eve last year, Berlin is also implementing increased security measures, with an increased police presence and a public appeal for respect towards law enforcement officers.
8. Despite the security concerns, traditional celebrations continue to take place in major cities worldwide, including Berlin, with the Brandenburg Gate hosting the annual New Year's Eve party and New York City known for its iconic Times Square event.
9. With fears of terrorism and riots, international cities such as Paris and Sydney are also ramping up their police presences to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of the New Year, marking the turn of the year with solidarity and unity.

Source: www.stern.de