Respiration Process Unveiled
New Take:
Budget woes, skyrocketing safety standards, and slim booth sales have been the major reasons cited by the Düsseldorf Carnival Committee (CC) for scraping next year's Kö-Karneval scheduled for February 11, 2024. This traditional Jecken party has been going strong for three decades, but a staggering loss of 60,000 euros finally tipped the scales. The city expressed regret over the decision, made in May, yet confirmed ongoing discussions for viable alternatives and untapped possibilities. "Wholesale abolition of the traditional Kö-Treiben is off the table for us," stated Mayor Dr. Stephan Keller.
Enter the Düsseldorf Showmen's Association – the Masterminds behind the Kö-Karneval for the past 30 years – who have agreed to spearhead the event in 2024. Their chief, Oliver Wilmering, hinted at their determination to uphold this tradition: "When we heard the showmen were out for the Kö-Treiben, we felt it was our duty to carry on the legacy. We'll now collaborate with the city to craft a concrete Kö-Treiben 2024 plan."
Appreciating the gesture, the leader of the CDU faction, Rolf Tups, echoed his support: "This move saves the public pull on Königsallee. With Oliver Wilmering and his team's event expertise, we anticipate a fantastic family festivity for the street carnival of 2024. We hope the CC will join this endeavor."
However, long-term security of the Kö-Treiben still calls for municipal funds, as per the SPD faction. Consequently, a funding request was lodged with the General Administration Committee on Tuesday, proposing to maintain the Kö-Treiben with an annual budget of 60,000 euros.
The SPD's economic policy spokesman, Tobias Kühbacher, emphasized the importance of preserving the Jecken gathering on the Kö as a symbol of Düsseldorf's tradition, which strongly impacts not only the city's carnival but its overall reputation beyond its borders.
Now, sifting through the chatter, it appears that discussions in late 2023 pointed towards the Düsseldorf Showmen’s Association stepping up to the plate as organizer. This move could help guarantee the event's continuation by leveraging their network and practical know-how. Yet, funding, sponsorship, and city negotiations are likely areas of focus moving forward. Only time will tell if the tradition of Kö-Karneval lives on beyond 2024.
As always, when in doubt, keep your eyes glued to official sources – the City of Düsseldorf or the Düsseldorf Showmen’s Association websites – for any updates concerning the event. Local media and community forums may offer valuable insights as well. Here’s to hoping the Kö-Treiben keeps spinning for years to come!
The Düsseldorf Showmen's Association plans to leverage their network and practical knowledge to organize the Kö-Treiben in 2024, as a move to help ensure the event's continuation. However, the long-term security of the Kö-Treiben still requires municipal funds, with a funding request of 60,000 euros annually proposed to the General Administration Committee.
