Cologne Carnival: Ancient Traditions, Modern Celebrations

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is a celebration that takes place annually in Cologne, Germany. It is a highlight in Germany's party calendar, with millions of people filling the streets of Cologne to celebrate and let loose before the Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday. The carnival is known for its vibrant colours, rich history, and traditions. The official carnival with its parades, balls, and stage shows is run 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, with the main events occurring in the days leading up to Shrove Tuesday, or Fat Tuesday. The carnival is a time for people to dress up, party, and indulge in food and drinks before the start of the fasting period during Lent.

The carnival is a celebration before the fasting period of Lent

The Cologne Carnival, or Kölner Karneval, is a celebration that takes place annually in Cologne, Germany. It is a highly anticipated event that draws millions of visitors to the city every year. The carnival is a period of celebration leading up to Lent, with the official season beginning on the 11th of November at 11:11 am. However, the main festivities occur during the week before Lent, in what is known as the "Crazy Days" or "Street Carnival". This period officially begins on the Thursday before Lent, which is known as Weiberfastnacht or Silly Thursday, and continues until Ash Wednesday, marking the start of the Lenten season.

The Cologne Carnival is deeply rooted in the city's history and culture. It dates back to the Middle Ages when the people of Cologne sought a break from the cold winter months. The carnival provided an opportunity for the community to come together, indulge in rich foods, and celebrate before the fasting period of Lent. Over time, it evolved into the grand festival it is today, known for its vibrant colours, elaborate costumes, and lively parades.

The carnival is filled with unique traditions and festivities. One of the most important traditions is the "Dreigestirn" or triumvirate, consisting of the prince, peasant, and maiden, who are considered the leaders of the carnival. The prince, also known as "Seine Tollität" (His Madness), is the most important figure, leading the main parades throughout the week. The peasant, or "Seine Deftigkeit" (His Heftyness), symbolises the boldness and independence of the city. The maiden, or "Ihre Lieblichkeit" (Her Loveliness), symbolises the patronising mother Colonia and is traditionally portrayed by a man.

The carnival is also known for its music and cheering. Local bands produce music dedicated to the carnival, with new songs released each year. During the festivities, the streets of Cologne are filled with people singing, swinging arm-in-arm, and cheering the unofficial "Karneval slogan", "Kölle Alaaf!", which translates to 'Cologne Above All Else'.

The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. This day features a spectacular parade with over 10,000 participants in elaborate costumes, marching bands, and beautifully designed floats. The parade attracts more than a million people to the city and is considered one of the largest parades in Germany. The carnival comes to a close with the burning of the "Nubbel", a straw doll that serves as a scapegoat for the transgressions committed during the carnival.

It is also known as the fifth season of the year

The Cologne Carnival is an annual celebration in Germany that signals the start of the Carnival season, often referred to as the "fifth season". It is one of the most famous carnivals in Europe, attracting millions of visitors each year. The Carnival officially begins on the 11th minute of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month (November) and ends on Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent. The main events, however, take place in the week leading up to Shrove Tuesday, also known as Fat Tuesday or Violet Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday. This week-long celebration is known as the "Crazy Days" and includes street parades, costumes, masks, and partying in bars and streets all over Cologne.

The "fifth season" is a time of merrymaking and unity for the community. The Carnival is an old tradition that goes back to the Middle Ages when the people of Cologne needed a break from the harsh winter. It provided an opportunity to indulge in rich foods and celebrations before the fasting period of Lent. Over time, it has evolved into a grand festival that is now a highlight in Germany's party calendar.

The Carnival is famous for its vibrant colours, rich history, and traditions. One of the most notable events is the Rose Monday Parade, which includes over 10,000 participants in elaborate costumes, marching bands, and beautifully designed floats. The parade route winds through the city streets, attracting large crowds on both sides. The Carnival is also family-friendly, with schools and kindergartens organising their mini parades, and safety being a top priority.

The Carnival's motto, "Jede Jeck es anders" or "Every fool is different", sums up the spirit of the celebration. It encourages individuals to express their unique personalities through creative and often humorous outfits. From clowns to historical figures to clever group themes, the costume options are endless. The wilder, the better!

The "fifth season" is a time when the city of Cologne is transformed into one giant street party. It is a period of unity and joy, bringing people together from all walks of life to celebrate and let loose before the Lenten season begins.

The street carnival starts in the Alter Markt

The Thursday opening ceremony takes place in the Alter Markt, with the Cologne Carnival figurehead prince, farmer, and virgin (known as the Dreigestirn) present to kick off festivities. This is a day for the ladies, with a fun tradition of women running around cutting men's neckties off and planting little kisses, or Bützchen, along the way.

The Alter Markt is also the location of the Sternmarsch (Star March) in the early evening, when revellers march together from Cologne's main squares to the Alter Markt with sparklers, where a fun stage programme with performances awaits. This is one of the week's more family-friendly events.

The street carnival is a unique folk festival in the Rhineland that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is a time for merrymaking, with people going out in masks and costumes, and the tradition of crazy women cutting off men's ties.

The carnival is famous for its colourful costumes

The Cologne Carnival is famous for its colourful costumes, with the wildest and brightest outfits taking centre stage. The festival's motto, "Jede Jeck es anders" ("Every fool is different"), sums up the spirit of the carnival. It's all about letting your unique personality shine through your costume. From clowns to historical figures, clever group themes, and even giant banana costumes, the options are endless. The key is to be creative and let your imagination run wild.

The carnival-goers, known as "jecken", flood the streets in their colourful costumes, creating a sea of colour and cheer. The tradition of dressing up is taken seriously, with everyone (and I mean everyone) donning a costume. While some costumes may have a deeper meaning, such as the city's religious past or coat of arms, many are just for fun. Red and white are the colours of Cologne, so you'll see a lot of people dressed in striped outfits. The most common costume is a "jecke" (clown), but you'll also spot an array of multicoloured wigs, cowboys, tutus, animal onesies, and pirate costumes.

The Rose Monday Parade, the highlight of the carnival, showcases an array of creative and whimsical costumes. Over 10,000 participants march in this parade, with floats that look like they came straight from a dream. The parade is a feast for the eyes, with an explosion of colours, music, and infectious joy.

The carnival's colourful costumes are not just for grown-ups—they're a family affair. Schools and kindergartens organise their mini-parades, giving children their first taste of carnival fun. Families come together to celebrate, creating lasting memories. The carnival is well-organised, with authorities ensuring a safe environment for all.

So, if you're thinking of joining the festivities, embrace your creativity and don't hold back. Let your true colours shine through and be part of the magical atmosphere that makes the Cologne Carnival so unique and beloved.

The Rose Monday Parade is the highlight of the carnival

The Cologne Carnival, or "Kölner Karneval", is an annual celebration in Cologne, Germany. It is a highlight in Germany's party calendar, signalling the start of the Carnival season. The Carnival traditionally begins on November 11 at 11:11 am, but the main events occur in the days leading up to Shrove Tuesday (or Fat Tuesday), the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent. The exact dates vary each year, typically taking place between mid-February and early March.

The Rose Monday Parade is a feast for the eyes, with creative and elaborate costumes, beautifully designed floats, and infectious fun vibes. Around 300 tonnes of sweets are thrown to spectators, with approximately 300,000 flowers also exchanged. The parade is a display of creativity, political humour, and pure joy. It is a family-friendly event, with children playing a central role in the festivities. Schools and kindergartens organise their own mini parades, and safety is a top priority.

The carnival is famous for its vibrant colours, rich history, and traditions. It is a time when the people of Cologne go out masqueraded, with costumes being an essential part of the celebrations. The carnival's motto, "Jede Jeck es anders" or "Every fool is different", celebrates individuality and self-expression through creative and humorous outfits. The wilder, the better!

The carnival officially ends with the burning of the "Nubbel" on the night of Ash Wednesday. This straw doll, which hangs above many pubs, is a scapegoat for all the transgressions of the revellers and is theatrically burned at the end of the carnival.

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