Billions of people are looking forward to the new year 2024. In Germany, before New Year’s Eve, there was again the usual debate about the sense and nonsense of private bangers and fireworks. For example, the German Medical Association called for a ban on firecrackers because of the enormous risk of injury.
The anticipation of the turn of the 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 fighting floods.
For most people in Germany, the weekend up to Sunday evening is likely to be dominated by party plans as well as shopping and preparations for New Year’s Eve and the New Year’s holiday on Monday.
Fireworks may only be lit on New Year’s Eve
The sale of fireworks began on Thursday and is only permitted until today. You can only set off rockets and firecrackers on New Year’s Eve from 6 p.m. – at other times it is forbidden, although not everyone may know this. There have been violent crashes in many places in Germany for days now, and numerous incidents and accidents have already been reported.
“The politically responsible people should spend New Year’s Eve in an ambulance or in an emergency room, then their view of the apparently peaceful New Year’s Eve fireworks would quickly change,” said German Medical Association President Klaus Reinhardt, according to a statement before the New Year’s Eve weekend.
High security measures at Cologne Cathedral
In Cologne, after the terrorist alarm for the cathedral, the police want to strictly secure the world-famous church on New Year’s Eve. The head of operations said that they would prepare in such a way that “possible attacks” could be countered. It could be that you will see police officers with submachine guns. The measure is important to enable the population to celebrate peacefully.
Before Christmas, security authorities had received information about a possible attack plan by an Islamist group, which was related to New Year’s Eve. The security precautions at Cologne Cathedral have already been increased for the Christmas celebrations. The cathedral was closed to tourists until further notice.
Out of concern about a terrorist attack, the French Interior Minister has announced a heavy police presence in the country for New Year’s Eve. Gérald Darmanin said he had asked for 90,000 police officers to be mobilized, as well as 5,000 soldiers and tens of thousands of firefighters.
Riots feared in Berlin
In Berlin, the police and fire brigade are making special preparations after the riots of last New Year’s Eve. There is an increased police presence with 4,000 police officers on duty at night. An almost pleading video asked for respect. “Don’t attack us. Don’t shoot us with firecrackers, rockets or blank guns. You’re committing a criminal offense and you could face several years in prison.”
Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) announced in the “Tagesspiegel” that “tough action” would be taken in the event of general outbreaks of violence or attacks against police officers. “Our emergency services have had to experience again and again that blind anger is carried out on their backs,” she said. “The answer to this must be tough action by the police, but also by the judiciary.”
Traditional New Year’s Eve party at the Brandenbuger Tor
The traditional New Year’s Eve party is taking place again at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin. It is set to be larger this year than last and is back on the west side of the gate after taking place on a smaller scale on the east side in 2022. Fireworks are also planned for the first time since the corona pandemic. 65,000 cards were offered for 10 euros each, but they didn’t sell well.
ZDF is broadcasting the show “Welcome 2024” live from Berlin, in which Chris Norman, Luca Hänni, Nathan Evans and Ella Finally are scheduled to appear, among others. Andrea Kiewel and Johannes B. Kerner are moderating 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 there will once again be a huge fireworks display at the famous opera house. Impressive images of celebrations are also expected from Dubai, Paris, London, Rio de Janeiro and New York.
It takes 26 hours between 11:00 a.m. CET on December 31st and 1:00 p.m. CET on January 1st for the entire globe to slip into the new year. It begins in the island state of Kiribati, goes through Australia, Asia to Europe, South America, the US east coast, California, Hawaii to the uninhabited islands of Baker Island and Howland Island again in the Pacific.
The year 2024 lasts longer than 2023 – it has 366 days as a leap year.
