Cologne's Karneval: A Festival Of Fun And Frolics

Karneval in Cologne, Germany, is an annual carnival celebration that takes place in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. It is considered the fifth season in the city and is marked by street parades, balls, stage shows, costumes, and free-flowing beer. The festivities kick off on November 11 at 11:11 am, with the street carnival, also known as the crazy days, taking place between Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival or Silly Thursday) and Veilchendienstag (Violet Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday). The highlight of Karneval is Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), when over a million people gather for a grand parade through the city centre. The celebrations end with the burning of the Nubbel, a straw figure that symbolises the sins of the carnival season, on the night of Ash Wednesday.

The 'fifth season'

The fifth season, as Carnival is called, is a time of celebration and merrymaking in Cologne. It is considered the "fifth season of the year" and traditionally begins on the 11th of November at 11:11 a.m. However, the real festivities kick off with the "crazy days" starting on Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday or Silly Thursday), the Thursday before Rosenmontag (Carnival Monday or Rose Monday).

During the fifth season, the streets of Cologne come alive with parades, balls, and stage shows. People of all ages don ridiculous masquerade costumes, and the whole city becomes a party. The neighbourhoods of Cologne are filled with street parades, balls, and stage shows. The traditional "Kölsch" beer flows freely, and sweets such as "Krapfen" (doughnuts) and "Muzemandeln" (almond-shaped fried dough) are enjoyed by all. The sounds of Carnival-inspired music fill the air, with local bands singing about the city, the party, and the cheerful atmosphere.

The highlight of the fifth season is Rose Monday, with the kilometre-long Rosenmontag procession making its way through the city. This parade has been a tradition since 1823 and is considered one of the largest parades in Germany, attracting over a million visitors each year. The parade includes floats, foot groups, dance groups, and marching bands, with performers tossing sweets and tulips to the enthusiastic crowds. The floats often depict caricatures of politicians and famous German personalities, adding a touch of humour to the celebration.

The fifth season is also a time for unique traditions and rituals. One such tradition is the "Dreigestirn" or triumvirate, consisting of the "Jungfrau" (maiden), "Prinz" (prince), and "Bauer" (peasant). These three characters are essential to the festivities, with the prince being the most important personage, leading the main parades throughout the week. Another tradition is the "Nubbel", a life-size straw doll that hangs above pubs and symbolises the sins of the Carnival fans. The burning of the "Nubbel" on the night of Violet Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday marks the end of the fifth season and the beginning of repentance and atonement before Lent.

The fifth season in Cologne is a time of joy, celebration, and excess before the solemn season of Lent. It is a deep-rooted tradition that brings the city to life, with its unique blend of music, costumes, and merrymaking. It is a time when the people of Cologne let go of their inhibitions and embrace the "crazy days" with open arms.

Costumes, masks and masquerades

Karneval is a time for people to embrace their alter egos and immerse themselves in the festivities. While there are no hard and fast rules for costumes, they tend to fall into distinct categories. The most common costume is a jecke, or clown, with bright colours, polka dots or squares, and a tailcoat. The older generation from Cologne often opts for a variation of a red and white striped shirt, and other red and white accessories. Prussian soldier costumes are also popular, with men wearing thigh-high leather boots, breeches, a tricorn hat, and a white curly wig. The colours of the uniform indicate the Carnival society to which the men belong. These costumes are expensive and are an indicator of high social standing in the community.

For those who enjoy planning their costumes, it is common to arrange a theme with friends or coworkers. In recent years, onesies with animal heads have been a popular choice for tourists and young people. In 2018, the most popular costumes were neon, shoulder pads, and mohawks, with the unicorn being the favourite.

When it comes to masks, two sisters founded Karneval in 2005 with the idea that masques should be designed as fashion accessories. They are made from lightweight paper, coated with a flexible, glass-like finish to ensure durability and comfort. The masques are designed to be embellished with removable accessories like feathers, flowers, and bows, allowing for different looks.

The Carnival is not just about costumes and masks, but also about the atmosphere and spirit of celebration. It is a time when people come together, let loose, and indulge in festivities, with spontaneous dance parties and street parades. Karneval is a unique cultural experience in Cologne, with a friendly and carefree vibe.

Music and singing

During the festival, revellers link arms and sing at the top of their lungs, often swaying and swinging arm-in-arm. The music and singing bring people together, creating a sense of community and celebration. It is a way for people to express their love for Cologne and its unique culture.

The Kölsch dialect is also heard in the traditional greeting or cheer of the festival, "Kölle Alaaf!", which translates to 'Cologne Above All Else'. This cheer can be heard throughout the city during Karneval, bringing people together and uniting them in their love for their city.

The music and singing during Karneval in Cologne are not just about entertainment but also about community and cultural identity. It is a way for people to connect with each other and celebrate their city and its rich history.

Parades and processions

The Cologne Carnival is a week-long celebration that takes place every year in the city of Cologne, Germany. It is considered the "fifth season" in the city and is marked by street parades, balls, stage shows, and free-flowing beer. The festivities officially begin on November 11 at 11:11 am, with the "crazy days" of Carnival celebrated between Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch).

The parades and processions are a highlight of the Cologne Carnival, with the largest and most spectacular parades taking place on Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. Over 1 million people line the streets of Cologne's historic old city, with more than 200 floats, wagons, trailers, and cars participating in the parade. The parade route is approximately 8 kilometres long, and the entire event takes almost five hours to complete.

The floats in the Rose Monday parade are true works of art, often portraying satirical themes related to contemporary politics and world events. For example, it is common to see floats making fun of government leaders or recent political events. The parade also includes marching bands, dancers, and costumed participants, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

In addition to the main Rose Monday parade, there are numerous other processions and parades throughout the Carnival celebrations:

• The Geisterzug, or "ghost parade", takes place on the Saturday evening before Carnival. It is an alternative parade with political overtones, where participants dress up as figures of gloom or brightly shining spirits.
• The Carnival Sunday parade features school groups and borough parades all over the city.
• On Violet Tuesday, the last day of the Street Carnival, large neighbourhood parades march through Nippes, Ehrenfeld, and Mülheim, attracting up to 200,000 spectators.

The Carnival celebrations culminate in the ceremonial burning of the Nubbel, a life-size straw doll that symbolises the sins and excesses of the Carnival season. This ceremony takes place on the night of Violet Tuesday or Shrove Tuesday, marking the end of the "fifth season" before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Food and drink

Karneval, also known as the Kölner Karneval, is a celebration in Cologne, Germany, that takes place during the "`crazy days" in the week before Lent. It is a time when people indulge in sweets, drinks, and fatty or fried foods.

Although there is no designated food for Karneval, there are some meals, sweets, and treats that are commonly enjoyed during the festivities. One popular treat is "German Doughnuts", also known as "Berliners", which are fried dough balls filled with marmalade, chocolate, or creative fillings like Baileys cream or caramel. Another treat is "Fastnachtsküchle", which are similar to German doughnuts but are more prevalent in the Swabian region.

In addition to sweets, there are also savoury options such as Frikadellen, a classic German fast food that can be described as a "meat cake" or "meatballs". Blutwurst, or blood sausage, is also a popular choice, especially in the Rhineland region, where it is known as Flönz.

For those looking for a heartier meal, Halver Hahn, a rye bread roll with butter, cheese, pickles, and mustard, is a popular choice. This simple yet satisfying sandwich is often enjoyed after a day of drinking beer.

Speaking of beer, Kölsch, a local pale lager, is the drink of choice during Karneval. It is served in short, cylindrical 200-millilitre glasses, and the waiters will keep bringing you more until you signal that you are done by placing a coaster on your glass.

In addition to the food and drink, Karneval is also a time for singing and dancing. Local drinking songs are belted out during the parades and street parties, creating a cheerful and festive atmosphere.

Frequently asked questions