Joyful Carnival in Germany with Khamenei Statue and Support for Iranians

Street carnival in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany reached its peak today. The largest carnival took place in the city of Cologne. Despite rain and sleet, the “Rose Monday” parades were held in cities and even smaller areas.

In Cologne, the “Rose Monday” carnival with the motto “We’re doing it for Cologne” started from Chlodwig Square in the south of the city. Düsseldorf also held its “Rose Monday” parade.

This parade is known as Germany’s most political carnival. This year’s slogan is: “We stay colorful, come what may.”

The first “surprise float” at Cologne’s “Rose Monday” parade featured sharp and shocking images; images that, according to organizers, are meant to reach even Ayatollah Khamenei in Iran. It appears that at least this hope exists in Germany’s “carnival capital.”

Khamenei depicted as a monster devouring protesters

One carnival association this year displayed a satirical float in which Khamenei is depicted as a monster devouring protesters.

The head of this carnival association said: “This float was deliberately held back, especially due to recent political developments in recent days.”

This year, special attention has been drawn to the satirical floats of Jacques Tilly, a Düsseldorf-based artist. Due to carnivals featuring sharp criticism of Russia, Moscow has opened a legal case against him.

However, Tilly announced that he will not yield to pressure, and this stance is reflected in his floats this year. In one of these works, for the first time, a float with a personal theme appeared in which Vladimir Putin pierces Düsseldorf’s carnival jester with a skewer, but the jester responds with the symbolic stick of carnival.

Friedrich Merz on a fossil fuel vehicle

In another work, Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany, and Markus Söder, Minister-President of Bavaria, are riding in a fossil fuel vehicle. Tilly believes these two politicians are fighting against the phase-out of internal combustion engines in the European Union, while other agreements exist.

Another float shows Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Presidents of the United States and Russia, devouring Europe. Putin has extended his hand to Europe through the Ukraine war, and Trump has turned his back to Europe with claims over Greenland.

Tilly has also addressed smartphone addiction, describing it especially for children as a type of drug that steals childhood from them, and in some countries there is even discussion about banning social networks for children.

Read more: Iranians and Carnival; a shared essence in a colorful display

In another float, Trump slaps Jesus Christ, a symbol of love and compassion; an allegory of current American domestic politics where, according to Tilly, Trump claims to defend Christian values against godless liberals.

Another work depicts the suffering of Ukrainians during the harshest winter since the war began, as Russia has targeted the country’s energy infrastructure, placing a heavy burden on its people.

In another image, Putin directs a drone with the face of Alice Weidel, leader of the right-wing “Alternative for Germany” party. Tilly considers this party Russia’s arm, repeating Moscow’s propaganda narratives and harming Germany’s interests.

A local theme is also seen in the carnival: Düsseldorf is no longer the “mustard city,” as two famous brands “ABB” and “Löwensenf” have left the city.

A fully covered woman titled “Miss Afghanistan”

In another work, a fully covered woman is introduced with the title “Miss Afghanistan”; an ironic title that refers to the severe plight of women after the Taliban’s return and emphasizes the need for continued international pressure.

Tilly has also presented an image of the melting of the Islamic Republic regime, believing that the power of this government is gradually eroding, although it has suppressed recent protests with violence, and in his view may not be able to withstand the next uprising.

In the final stages of constructing the floats, he also included the Jeffrey Epstein case and stressed that female victims were ignored for a long time, while perpetrators were protected. Another symbol shows a child pulling a heavy car of retirees; a reference to Germany’s population crisis and the instability of the current pension system.

There is also a float dedicated to rising rents; a problem that many people, especially in major cities, struggle with, and according to Tilly, sufficient construction is not taking place.

Knife attack and unfavorable weather conditions

The weather in North Rhine-Westphalia on “Rose Monday” was not favorable for street celebrations. Rain, snow, and wind made the weather difficult for people in the streets.

In recent days, carnivals have also been accompanied by incidents. In Lürkozahn a knife attack occurred, and in the Rhine-Sieg area three men fell from one of the floats, and some were seriously injured.

Source: Deutsche Welle