Every year, the Düsseldorf Rosenmontagszug brings together hundreds of thousands of revelers to celebrate and critique societal issues through elaborate floats. This year, Jacques Tilly, renowned for his sharp political satire, unveiled his creations with added fanfare as the event coincided closely with Germany's Bundestagswahl. The floats not only showcased Tilly's artistry but also his pointed commentary on global politics, with Donald Trump taking center stage as the most parodied figure at the carnival.
Tilly's floats presented Trump as both buffoonish and ominous, including one float depicting him negotiating with Vladimir Putin on what was dubbed the "Hitler-Stalin-Pact 2.0," referencing historical alliances with a chilling twist. This float illustrated the tension surrounding contemporary geopolitics, particularly the relationship between the U.S., Russia, and the embattled state of Ukraine, humorously noting how Trump's antics fuel the chaos. Tilly remarked, "We have to make hard satire, reflecting the dramatic world situation," emphasizing the need for political commentary within the revelry of Carnival.
Not only Trump was targeted; Tilly also tackled domestic politics with his portrayal of Alice Weidel, the leader of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). She was depicted as the wicked witch from the fairy tale Hansel and Gretel, holding out gingerbread shaped like the swastika—a bold move meant to shed light on how the AfD entices young voters through social media's radicalizing potential. Tilly explained, "The float is meant to show how the AfD is very adept at luring young people to adopt radical worldviews." The reaction to such controversial portrayals has been mixed, with Tilly receiving threats and criticism following the floats' early reveal.
This year's event featured 14 political floats instead of the typical 12, with Tilly adding extra to keep some surprises intact. "We've built two more floats so twelve can remain secret until the parade starts. This way, no one can complain about secrets being leaked too early," he noted. His efforts were particularly commendable considering he had just one week between the conclusion of the Bundestagswahl and the Rosenmontagszug to craft his satirical pieces.
Alongside the political critiques, the carnival atmosphere was heightened by the sheer joy and enthusiasm of the onlookers. Around 300,000 flower bouquets and 300 tons of sweets were distributed, with notable figures like reality TV stars Robert and Carmen Geiss making their debut at the event. Robert Geiss captured the spirit, stating, "This is of course very exciting," which perfectly summarized the jubilant atmosphere of the carnival.
Despite the joy, the event was underscored by heightened security concerns, especially following recent violent incidents across Germany. The police tightened their presence at the Rosenmontagszug to safeguard the festivities and combat any threats. Cologne's police chief noted their deployment of additional officers, ensuring all safety measures were adhered to due to alarming social media posts hinting at potential assaults during the carnival.
One particularly contentious float depicted issues of abuse within the Catholic Church, showing a confessional booth labeled "Jesus loves you" with disturbing imagery prompting outrage from some quarters, including the Koln archdiocese. Critics described the depiction as "tasteless," yet many argued it effectively highlighted serious issues within church settings. Matthias Katsch from the affected persons' initiative, "Eckiger Tisch," defended the float, asserting its relevance to the real risks faced by children historically vulnerable within such institutions.
Overall, the Düsseldorf Rosenmontagszug proved to be more than just a spectacle of colorful floats and humorous performances. It served as a poignant reminder of the social and political issues at play, encouraging both reflection and laughter among participants. Jacques Tilly's bold floats illuminated the pressing matters of our times, promising to engage and provoke thought long after the cheers of carnival have faded.