Tens of Thousands Celebrate Kurdish New Year in Cologne's Deutzer Bridge

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In a vibrant celebration of culture and unity, tens of thousands gathered in Cologne on Saturday to celebrate the Kurdish New Year, known as Newroz. According to WDR, more than 50,000 people participated in the festivities at Deutzer Bridge, far exceeding initial estimates of 10,000 attendees. 

The lively event at Deutzer Werft saw large crowds come together to celebrate Kurdish traditions, with revelers waving Kurdish flags, enjoying picnics, and enjoying music and performances throughout the day. Police confirmed the large turnout, estimating that tens of thousands of people were present at the gathering.

While the crowd grew significantly as the day progressed, authorities took precautionary measures, cordoning off parts of the event in the late afternoon to ensure safety and manage the large numbers. Despite these measures, the event remained peaceful, with no major incidents reported.

A key aspect of the rally was its political dimension, with speeches highlighting the ongoing struggles of Kurds in the Middle East, who face oppression and displacement. Participants expressed solidarity with those affected, drawing attention to the challenges faced by Kurdish communities across the region.

As part of security measures, police were present in larger numbers than at typical rallies, in part to enforce a ban on flags associated with the banned Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), which has been classified as a terrorist organization in both Germany and the EU. Some flags bearing PKK symbols were confiscated by authorities, but the overall atmosphere remained celebratory and peaceful.

The Kurdish New Year celebrations in Cologne provided a powerful display of cultural pride and political solidarity, underscoring the ongoing significance of Newroz to the Kurdish people both in Germany and worldwide.