Carnival season is upon us, and towns across the region are reveling in the festivities, with Gelnhausen and Werl leading the charge. "We have done everything to make sure people can enjoy the carnival parade today," said Gelnhausen's Mayor Christian Litzinger as he prepared to join the colorful festivities on March 1, 2025. Litzinger, still undecided about his costume choice, which he hinted would be spontaneous, invited the community to join the fun.
With safety being the top priority, especially following heightened concerns due to past events such as the attack on the Christmas market in Magdeburg, the organizers have taken significant precautions to secure the event. Mayor Litzinger highlighted, "Safety is playing nearly the main role today." Detailed security plans have been carefully crafted, though specific measures are kept confidential to maintain effectiveness. Zugmarschall Jakob Morkel reassured the public of the increased presence of security personnel as the town gears up for the parade, which will commence at 14:11 at the roundabout next to the Main-Kinzig-Forum.
The parade route will cover key areas, including Barbarossastraße, Berliner Straße, and Philipp-Reis-Straße before winding toward Uferweg, where the festivities will culminate. Along the entire parade route, there will be safety barriers and strict regulations, such as the prohibition of glass bottles, to keep visitors protected during the celebrations.
Once the energetic parade wraps up at the Bleiche, guests can enjoy various food and drink options until 17:00, accompanied by lively music from local entertainers. A designated family zone near the Main-Kinzig-Forum offers parents and children a safe environment to soak up the festive atmosphere, thanks to the logistical support from the THW.
Meanwhile, city officials have also made tremendous efforts to address restroom availability, deploying seven serviced stations around Gelnhausen to prevent issues with public urination, particularly after feedback from previous celebrations. The main toilet areas will be strategically located near the roundabout, across from the Main-Kinzig-Forum, and other convenient spots.
The impact of these festivities will be felt not just by local participants, but also by commuters. Starting at noon until the end of the parade, significant street closures will be enforced around the event area, affecting access to the Himmelauer Mühle residential area and beyond. Mayor Litzinger has requested patience and compliance from the community, as removal of improperly parked vehicles will be enforced.
Gelnhausen is not the only town celebrating; the festivities are echoed throughout the region with simultaneous parades. Around the same time at 14:11, groups from Hanau will host their carnival procession, continuing the spirit of the celebrations. Other nearby locations, such as Freigericht, Udenhain, and Breitenborn, are also set to host their parades, highlighting the day as particularly festive for the entire region.
On March 2, 2025, the excitement will carry over to Werl for their annual carnival parade, themed "Today the sky is blue, Werl is celebrating Carnival with lots of Helau!" The festivities will kick off at 14:01 from the station, stacking up to move through various streets including Bahnhofstraße and Marktstraße before finally descending on the marketplace.
But the organized fun won’t come without some inconveniences for residents. Traffic disruptions will occur from 13:30 to approximately 16:00, with the city urging residents to plan accordingly and to park outside of the blockaded areas for the duration.
Public transportation will also face hurdles, as bus services R41 and R47 will omit certain stops during the parade period—specifically, stopping at Werl Bahnhof. Riders are advised to seek alternative stops made available during the event.
These regional carnival celebrations reflect not just local traditions, but also create community spirit and engagement. Ensuring safety along with fun, towns like Gelnhausen and Werl provide ample engagement opportunities for families and residents alike to take part, making this year's carnival season not just about revelry, but also about coming together as one community.