German version of Sunneklaas also in disrepute: 'Violence against women not tolerated'

Klaasohm on the German Wadden island of Borkum is somewhat similar to Sunneklaas on Ameland and, like the Dutch version, this folk festival has also come under fire due to media attention. Local authorities distance themselves from the custom of hitting women with a cow horn and the police say they will enforce it strictly. Just like on Ameland, on Borkum, men on the island go out on the streets dressed up on 5 December, here wearing masks with …