Terror fears overshadow German festivals amid cancellations
In Germany, numerous festivals, including markets and fairs, are being cancelled due to fears of terrorist attacks. Although artists, for whom these events are often a source of livelihood, are not pleased with this decision, the police union welcomes it.
Terrorism fears are growing in Germany. As a result, decisions are being made to cancel many outdoor events. According to Bild, following the attacks in Magdeburg and Munich, stricter security measures have been introduced, which generate high costs. They are too much for the organisers to handle.
Frank Hakelberg from the German Exhibition Association emphasises that festivals are crucial for local communities and economies. - I cannot take responsibility if some madman runs over people in his car again, - said Günter Fiebig to Bild, organiser of a flea market in one of the Bavarian towns.
We have about 9,700 folk festivals. The state must be responsible for security. It can't be that we have to manage it ourselves - Frank Hakelberg, president of the German Exhibition Association.
Satisfaction with the tightened security measures was expressed by the German police union. - As an international metropolis, Berlin is a target for terrorist networks, and due to our free and liberal lifestyle, it is also a target for individual criminals - says chief Stephan Weh.
According to Bild, the traditional spring market in Lage, North Rhine-Westphalia, has been cancelled. There was not enough security available. The Cherry Blossom Festival in Marburg, Hesse, will also not take place. Flea markets near Berlin and the traditional Easter firemen's display are being cancelled. There will be no events for Walpurgis Night either.
In recent months, Germany has been struggling with a wave of terrorist attacks. The attack in Magdeburg echoed loudly, which occurred on 20 December 2024, at a Christmas market. A 50-year-old Saudi man, Talib al-Abd al-Muhsin, drove through a crowd, killing 6 people, and over 230 were injured. He took advantage of an entrance reserved for services and ploughed through people for almost 500 metres. He was a psychiatrist with refugee status, criticising Germany for its liberal approach to Islam.
In February 2025, a 24-year-old Afghan drove into a crowd of protesters in Munich. Two people died, and 39 were injured. Farhad Noori was ordered to leave Germany in 2020, but he never did. He claimed that Allah had ordered the attack, and during his arrest, he shouted "Allah Akbar."
