Germany's world-famous Christmas markets have officially opened for the season, bathing town squares in festive light and filling the air with the scent of mulled wine and sizzling sausages. This cherished tradition, however, is now accompanied by a sobering reality: significantly enhanced security measures across the country, a direct response to two previous deadly attacks on these popular gatherings.
Festive Spirit Amidst Security Precautions
On Monday, the iconic market at the Gedächtniskirche (Memorial Church) in Berlin commenced its festivities with a public service, joining other prominent openings at locations such as the Rotes Rathaus, Gendarmenmarkt, and Charlottenburg Palace. Visitors are treated to a classic German experience, browsing stalls offering not just glühwein and grilled sausages, but also handmade candles, woolly hats, and shiny Christmas ornaments. The sounds of laughter echo from chain carousels and Ferris wheels, while children skate on temporary ice rinks.
In Cologne, the market situated before the city's magnificent cathedral was already packed with large crowds over the weekend. Birgit Grothues, a spokeswoman for the market, noted the positive atmosphere, stating, "We sense a very good atmosphere here, so we feel that in these difficult times we are currently experiencing, we can give visitors a little moment of respite here. We see many smiling faces under our illuminated tent."
A Shadow from the Past
The heightened state of alert is a poignant reminder of tragic events that have marred the season in recent years. Security is now a paramount concern at all markets nationwide.
The memory is particularly fresh from December 20th of last year, when a car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in the city of Magdeburg lasted just over a minute. The assault resulted in the deaths of five women and a boy, with many others injured. The alleged perpetrator is currently standing trial in Magdeburg.
An even more devastating incident occurred on December 19, 2016, when an attacker drove a truck through the crowd at the very Christmas market at the Gedächtniskirche in Berlin. This attack killed 13 people and injured dozens more. The assailant, identified as a Muslim militant, was later killed in a shootout in Italy.
Implementing a Robust Security Concept
In direct reaction to the Magdeburg attack, cities have been proactive in developing comprehensive safety plans. Cologne, for example, has created a special security concept for its markets in close cooperation with police.
As Birgit Grothues confirmed, these measures include the installation of additional anti-terrorism barriers and the deployment of private security personnel. This layered approach aims to protect the millions of visitors who flock to these annual events, which Germans have cherished since the Middle Ages and have successfully exported across the Western world.
The goal is clear: to preserve the magic and joy of the Christmas market experience while ensuring the safety of all who wish to partake in this beloved holiday tradition.
