On August 29, the time has finally come! The next CSD in Cologne is coming up. As has now been announced, however, the route - due to the current Corona situation - has been changed. Thus, the Christopher Street Day will not only take place in a different period than usual, but also under changed conditions.
And yet: the important message of the CSD should reach many people again this year - also internationally.
What is different?
According to an official spokesman, this year's CSD will not have as many participants as before Corona. Nevertheless, the event remains large. In numbers, the demo used to last about 4.5 hours. Now could still be scheduled about two to two and a half hours.
One aspect that plays a particularly important role at times of Corona: the distances and the observance of the same. In connection with the CSD in Berlin, there was recently criticism here because - according to media reports - some requirements were not observed. It seems as if one wants to prevent in Cologne here.
To ensure that the specified minimum distances can be maintained here, those responsible have decided to change the route. Now the demonstration no longer moves through the city center, but among other things via the Rheinuferstraße in the direction of Heumarkt and Deutz station.
On - in the truest sense of the word - colorful performances and Co. must be renounced at this year's CSD Cologne nevertheless not. Here a lot seems to be planned. The program includes shows as well as statements and co.
Some kind of middle ground?
One thing is certain: even in 2021 it is not yet possible to celebrate the CSD event "as before". But: a little more than in 2020 is certainly possible. At that time, for pandemic reasons, one relied on a bicycle demonstration and thus managed to "equalize" the whole thing somewhat. The solution, which is now scheduled for 2021, seems like a kind of middle ground between the classic CSD and the bicycle demo variant.
Currently, no concrete information can be given about how many people will finally be on site. However, it is already clear that the marks of the years before Corona will not be cracked.
Who would like to celebrate the CSD, but has no desire to be at the event in the city on the spot, has also the possibility to inform online about statements, rallies and Co. before then in 2022 possibly again in the old-known framework can be celebrated.
No narrow streets - Cologne takes care
The fact that those responsible in Cologne have decided to change the route of this year's CSD could also be related, among other things, to the aspect that one has no desire for a coverage like after the CSD Berlin. Several crowded areas and participants and participants who did not wear a mask ensured that, among other things, many lateral thinkers spoke out, who could not understand why an event like the CSD was allowed and demonstrations against the Corona measures were not.
Now, the wider track in Cologne is supposed to help equalize the whole thing a bit. It remains to be seen whether this plan will work out. However, participants can already look forward to a picnic area, two stages, numerous smaller events and performances, among other things.
CSD participants are also asked to provide proof - based on the 3 G rule. On site, stewards and orderlies will also ensure that the minimum distances are observed and masks are worn. Furthermore, a special hygiene plan will ensure that the risk of infection is minimized. Up-to-date information on the relevant requirements can of course also be found on the organizer's website.
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