The 5th season (Carnival) has already started on November 11th at 11:11 am at Cologne City Hall.
Carnival in Cologne
The highlight of the Cologne Carnival is annually from Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival) until Rosenmontag (Rose Monday). The Fastelovend, as it is also called, is one of the largest and most famous carnival celebrations worldwide. Even in the Middle Ages, people ate, drank, and danced, and this year will be no different. Celebrations, songs, and dances will once again fill the streets. To help you make the most of these joyful days, we have created a brief overview for you.
Weiberfastnacht in Cologne
Like every year, after the quiet days between November 11th and the Carnival week, the street carnival in the Cologne city center officially starts at 11:11 am at Alter Markt. Thousands of locals and tourists celebrate in the old town of Cologne. “Imis,” a term not meant to be offensive, refers to all non-original residents of Cologne.
Carnival Friday in Cologne
On Carnival Friday, countless sessions take place. Since 1998, there has been the “Sternmarsch” (star march) of the Cologne neighborhood associations in the city center, and the celebration continues late into the night.
Carnival Sunday in Cologne
On Sunday, the revelers are offered a lot of entertainment as well. There is a huge selection of large carnival sessions, but the city center is also filled with the taste of Kölsch beer and kisses (Bützchen) are shared among the crowd.
D’r Zoch kütt! The highlight is Rose Monday
As every year, the highlight of the Cologne Carnival is the “Rosenmontag” parade. It starts at Chlodwigplatz, goes through the city center, and ends after 7 kilometers at Mohrenstrasse. With 12,000 participants and over 120 music bands, the parade moves through the city, distributing 300 tons of sweets and 300,000 bouquets to approximately 1.2 million revelers.
the traditional Carnival Tuesday in Cologne
On Karnevalsdienstag (Carnival Tuesday), additional Veedelszöch (neighborhood parades) take place in various districts such as Nippes and Ehrenfeld, with up to 200,000 revelers participating. Traditionally, at midnight, a ritual ceremony called Nubbelverbrennung (Nubbel burning) takes place. A straw doll, the Nubbel, loaded with sins, is burned as part of the ceremony.
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