The traditional "Klaasohm" festival on the North Sea island of Borkum has come under fire for its controversial practices.

Reports have surfaced of women being held and struck with cow horns during the event, sparking nationwide criticism.

The festival, held annually on the night before December 6th, involves masked men, known as Klaasohms, who chase women and hit them with cow horns.

This practice has been criticized by both the public and officials, including Christine Arbogast from the Lower Saxony state government, who emphasized that traditions should not make women feel unsafe.

The organizing group, Borkumer Jungens, has acknowledged past incidents and expressed a commitment to ending the violent aspect of the tradition.

Despite the controversy, the festival remains a deeply rooted cultural event on the island, with calls for open discussion about its future.