The Vibrant Karneval Parade In Cologne: How Long Is It?

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is a week-long festival that takes place annually in Cologne, Germany. It is considered one of the biggest and best parties in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year. The carnival is a series of street parties, parades, and special events, with a highlight being Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. The Rose Monday parade route spans 6.5km and lasts three hours, with over 13,000 people in attendance. The carnival is a unique folk festival in the Rhineland that is not to be missed.

The parade route is 8km long

The Cologne Carnival, or Karneval, is a celebration that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. It is a week-long festival leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season. The carnival features street parades, costumes, masks, street parties, and special events.

The parade is the highlight of the carnival, with participants marching through the city centre. The procession includes marching bands, dancers, and floats that often depict current political and social themes with dark humour. It is a tradition to throw candy, known as "kamelle" (caramels), and flowers, known as "Strüssjer", to the audience. An estimated 300 metric tons of candy and 300,000 flowers are given out during the parade.

The parade is led by the "Blaue Funken", a traditional group from Cologne. The carnival prince, known as "Seine Tollität" (His Madness), has a significant role, with his float being the last one in the parade. The prince is considered the most important personage of the Cologne Carnival and is deemed the highest representative of the festivities.

The carnival is organised by the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival Celebration Committee), which was founded in 1823. The carnival is a significant event in Cologne, with a deep-rooted history and unique traditions. It is an expression of joy and pride for the city and its people, attracting millions of visitors each year.

It lasts three hours

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is a celebration that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. It is considered one of the best parties in Europe, drawing millions of visitors to the city. The carnival is a week-long street festival that takes place between Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch).

The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. On this day, a large parade passes through the city centre, considered one of the largest parades in Germany. The parade route spans 6.5km and lasts for three hours. During the parade, participants throw candy, roses, and chocolate to the crowd. Over 140 tonnes of sweets, 700,000 bars of chocolate, and 300,000 flowers are given away.

To get the most out of the parade, there are a few things to know. Firstly, the key to getting the goods is to shout "kamelle" for candy and "strüsje" for roses. Secondly, the parade is led by the carnival prince, who is deemed the highest representative of the festivities. The prince's float is the final one in the parade, and his attire includes a crown with a peacock tail, a golden chain, a girdle with glitzy stones, white undershorts, and a purple jacket. Finally, the parade ends with the moment when "D'r Prinz kütt" ("The Prince arrives").

In addition to the parade, there are other events and traditions associated with the Cologne Carnival. For example, the carnival officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 am, and the time of merrymaking in the streets is declared open at downtown square "Alter Markt". Another tradition is the burning of the Nubbel, a straw doll that is burned on the night of Ash Wednesday to symbolise the end of the carnival. Overall, the Cologne Carnival is a vibrant and joyous celebration that is not to be missed.

140 tonnes of sweets are thrown

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is an annual carnival held in Cologne, Germany. It is considered one of the best parties in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year. The carnival includes street parades, people dressing up in costumes and masks, and partying in the streets and bars of Cologne.

One of the main events of the carnival is the Rose Monday parade, which attracts over a million people to the city. During this parade, approximately 140 tonnes of sweets are thrown to the crowd, along with 700,000 bars of chocolate and 300,000 flowers. To get their hands on these treats, spectators shout "kamelle" for candy and "strüsje" for roses.

The Rose Monday parade is led by the carnival prince, known as "Seine Tollität" (His Madness). His float is the final one in the large parade, which takes place on Shrove Monday, two days before Ash Wednesday. The prince is joined by two other important figures: the peasant, or "Seine Deftigkeit" (His Heftyness); and the maiden, or "Ihre Lieblichkeit" (Her Loveliness). Together, they are known as the Dreigestirn, or triumvirate, and they pay a large sum of money for the privilege of leading the festivities.

The carnival is organised by the Festkomitee Kölner Karneval (Cologne Carnival Celebration Committee), which was founded in 1823. The carnival season officially begins on November 11 at 11:11 am and ends on Ash Wednesday, marking the start of Lent. However, the street carnival, also known as "the crazy days", takes place during the week before Lent, from Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday.

There are 700,000 bars of chocolate given out

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is an annual carnival that takes place in Cologne, Germany. It is considered one of the best parties in Europe, attracting millions of visitors to the city every year. The carnival is a celebration leading up to Lent and is marked by street parades, colourful costumes, and festivities in bars and on the streets. The carnival is also associated with unique traditions, music, and social gatherings.

One of the highlights of the carnival is Rose Monday or Rosenmontag, which occurs two days before Ash Wednesday. On this day, a grand parade passes through the city centre, spanning a route of 6.5 km or 8 km. During the parade, participants throw an abundance of sweets, flowers, and chocolates into the crowd. It is estimated that around 700,000 bars of chocolate are distributed during the parade, along with 300 metric tons of candy and over 300,000 flowers. The parade is led by the carnival prince, followed by an array of floats, wagons, dancers, and marching bands.

The chocolate bars are among the many treats that rain down on the enthusiastic spectators during the Rose Monday parade. The parade participants are skilled in the art of the perfect throwing technique, ensuring that the chocolates find their way into the hands of the eager crowd. The chocolates are just one part of the sweets and candies that are generously distributed, with a total of around 300 metric tons of confectionery exchanged during the festivities.

The carnival-goers have their own way of asking for these treats. To request chocolates, one should shout "strüsje", which is the local term for flowers. This cry will ensure that you receive your share of the chocolate bars being tossed into the air. The parade-goers also have a special call for candy, shouting kamelle to be included in the sweet bounty.

The Rose Monday parade is not just about the chocolates and sweets; it is also a platform for political and social commentary. The floats that make their way through the city often depict current events and themes with dark humour and satire. For example, a float might feature a depiction of Vladimir Putin as a devil or address church abuse scandals. This tradition of using the parade to address societal issues adds a layer of depth to the festivities, combining joy and critical thinking.

The Cologne Carnival is more than just a celebration; it is an integral part of the city's culture and history. The carnival has deep roots, dating back to Pagan times before Christianity. It has evolved over the centuries, incorporating influences from different eras and occupations. The carnival is a testament to the resilience and spirit of Cologne, providing an outlet for expression, joy, and community building.

It's one of the largest street festivals in Europe

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is one of the largest street festivals in Europe. The carnival is a week-long festival that takes place annually in Cologne, Germany, and attracts millions of visitors. It is considered one of the best and craziest parties in Europe, with the entire city centre transforming into a giant street party. The carnival is a celebration leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent season.

The carnival features street parades, people dressing up in costumes and masks, and partying in bars and streets all over Cologne. The carnival's highlight is Rose Monday, two days before Ash Wednesday, which features a parade that attracts over a million people. The parade route spans 6.5km and includes floats, dance groups, and music bands. During the parade, participants throw an estimated 300 tonnes of sweets, 700,000 bars of chocolate, and 300,000 flowers into the crowd.

The carnival is also a time for community and camaraderie, with a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. The traditional greeting during the festival is "Kölle Alaaf!", a Kölsch phrase meaning "Cologne Above All Else". The carnival is an important part of the social structure of the city, with politicians running for local office usually affiliated with a Karneval society.

The carnival has a long history, dating back to Pagan times before Christianity. The modern form of the carnival, with its parades and organised events, was established in 1823 with the founding of the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee. The carnival is an important expression of joy and pride in Cologne, and it is considered a must-visit destination during the festival.

Frequently asked questions