Stuck in their cars but Cologne carnival goers still have a party

Record ID: 1601278

  • Title: Stuck in their cars but Cologne carnival goers still have a party
  • Date: 14th February 2021
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (German) CONCERT ATTENDEE, ANDRE BUSMANN, SAYING: "It is a bit weird, yes, but carnival is carnival, and that is why we are here."
  • Embargoed: 28th February 2021 12:09
  • Keywords: Cologne cancellation carnival concert coronavirus costumes drive-in health pandemic
  • Location: COLOGNE, GERMANY
  • City: COLOGNE, GERMANY
  • Country: Germany
  • Topics: Europe,Health/Medicine,Editors' Choice
  • Reuters ID: LVA006DZM7WW7
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Coronavirus restrictions failed to stop the party spirit in Cologne on Saturday (February 13), where carnival goers were confined to their cars but still managed to dance and have fun.
    Traditionally, Cologne's week-long street festival brings people from all over the world to the city every year, but with the country currently in lockdown street carnival and parades have been cancelled.
    At a drive-in in the German city, up to 300 people in fancy dress went to a rock concert and tried to recreate the pre-COVID mood from inside their vehicles.
    "You just feel like dancing," said Pia Schmitz, who attended with her partner and her son.
    "It's different than usual, but it's a great idea. It's a lot of fun and, well, if you can't do anything else, then we can at least do this," said Carmen Wedell, who joyfully added the sound of her tambourine to the songs played by the band.
    Prices to attend were between 50 and 90 euros, but that didn''t seem to be holding anyone back. All seats were sold out quickly, packing the city drive-in.
    (Production: Stephane Nietschke and Elena Gyldenkerne)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2021. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
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