The annual Fasching winter carnival in Düsseldorf took a sharp political turn this week, highlighting public criticism of far-right movements in Germany.
One of the festival's central floats prominently depicted Alternative for Germany (AfD) party head Alice Weidel alongside social media platforms such as TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. Organizers used the display to illustrate how these platforms, in their view, are channels for spreading Nazi content to children.
2אחד המיצגים - הרשתות החברתיות מפתות ילדים ובייגל בצורת צלב קרסאחד המיצגים - הרשתות החברתיות מפתות ילדים ובייגל בצורת צלב קרסPhoto: from social media
One of the central floats at the annual Fasching winter carnival in Düsseldorf depicting Alternative for Germany (AfD) party head Alice Weidel handing swastika-shaped pastry to children
A striking visual element of the float was a swastika-shaped pastry, symbolizing "hate distributed as candy to children," according to organizers. The protest-themed display is not new to the carnival, which has previously featured floats condemning antisemitism and other concerning trends in Germany.
This year, organizers once again held up a critical mirror to German society, warning of the dangers posed by extremist content proliferating online.
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Despite the float’s strong message, reactions on TikTok have raised concerns. Many users have defended or even promoted far-right ideologies, underscoring how problematic discourse finds a vast audience on social media. A widely circulated video of the display has ignited debate over the role of social media platforms in combating incitement.
“The Fasching festival’s display is an important element in Germany’s broader effort to fight rising antisemitism,” said Dr. Raheli Baratz, head of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Community Resilience at the World Zionist Organization. “We are seeing a significant shift in Germany’s approach, combining social, cultural and legal measures to address hate.”
2אליס ויידלאליס ויידלPhoto: Tobias SCHWARZ / AFP
Alternative for Germany (AfD) party head Alice Weidel
Germany has shown growing commitment to tackling antisemitism and Holocaust denial, particularly when disguised as political criticism. This effort extends beyond symbolic gestures like the carnival display to legal action.
A notable example is the landmark ruling by the Berlin Regional Court last August, which convicted German-Iranian activist Ava Moayeri of incitement for chanting “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” at a protest. The court ruled that the slogan challenges Israel’s right to exist and fined Moayeri €600.
The decision draws a clear line between free speech and incitement, signaling a shift in Germany’s legal stance. In some federal states, such as Berlin and Bavaria, similar offenses can now carry prison sentences of up to three years.