Saxony's revellers start the street carnival with optimism

Saxony's carnival revelers are heading into the street carnival with foolish cheerfulness and a lot of confidence. Compared to previous years, when the energy crisis and stricter security measures had dampened spirits and increased costs, the clubs are relaxed about the peak of the fifth season, as the President of the Saxon Carnival Association, Jörg Weiser, said.

"These additional costs from previous years remain, but there have been no further tightening," explained Weiser. A few days ago, Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer received some carnivalists in the state chancellery.

Biggest parade in Radeburg

Saxony's biggest carnival parade starts on Sunday (February 15) in Radeburg. Unlike the Rhineland strongholds of Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz, where politicians are often made fun of or ironically mocked, this one aims to be completely apolitical. Here, the motto "Narrenhaus RaBu - crazy and crazy!" determines the parade images, as President Kai Drabe emphasized.

Participation in the Radeburg parade costs five euros for adults, children and pupils up to the age of 14 pay nothing. Up to 25,000 visitors are expected if the conditions are perfect.

"Dry and a bit of sunshine would be perfect, of course. But it shouldn't rain," emphasized association president Weiser. The Saxon Carnival Association currently comprises 186 carnival clubs from Saxony with around 22,000 carnivalists.

For the first time, there will also be a state prince and princess in the Free State. Désirée I and Simon I from the Pegauer-Karneval-Klub e.V. are representing Saxony's carnival revelers at numerous events this season.