On Sunday, Luxembourg will witness the start of several carnival parades, with the traditional event in Diekirch leading the way. A total of nine parades are scheduled to take place across the country in 2025, and preparations are currently in full swing. However, as the festivities approach, questions arise about the safety and sustainability of these vibrant celebrations.
In Germany, security measures in carnival strongholds, particularly in Cologne, were recently heightened following threats from ISIS. While no such threats have been reported in Luxembourg, Scott Kries, president of the Schifflange carnival parade, emphasised that security measures in the Grand Duchy have been significantly strengthened in recent years.
Kries explained that the Luxembourg police, in collaboration with the Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), local authorities, and parade organisers, have conducted thorough risk assessments and implemented all necessary precautions to ensure public safety.
Claude Wanderscheid, a member of Diekirch’s parade organising committee, echoed this sentiment, highlighting specific measures such as the placement of barriers, concrete blocks, and strategically positioned lorries to secure streets. These measures are designed to allow emergency services quick access if needed.
In addition to security, sustainability has become a key focus for Luxembourg’s carnival parades. Since the introduction of a new waste law two years ago, major events are required to adhere to stricter environmental regulations. Kries, who has been involved in organising the Schifflange parade for 27 years, noted that the transition to more sustainable practices has been smooth. For the past five years, participants in the parade have refrained from throwing confetti–a move initially met with scepticism but now widely accepted. “No confetti doesn’t mean no fun,” Kries remarked, adding that attendees continue to enjoy the festivities just as much.
In Diekirch, sustainability efforts are also evident, with 80,000 reusable cups prepared for this year’s parade. Organisers hope to match last year’s turnout of around 34,000 visitors.
