Planning a trip to the biggest and longest party in Europe? We've all been there, trying to decide if we should join the revelry of Cologne Carnival.
With over 190 years of history and welcoming millions of participants each year, this festival is an experience not to be missed.
In this blog post, you'll discover everything you need to know about how to navigate these festive streets and enjoy the Cologne Carnival like a true "Jeck". Let's dive into six days of fun!
Quick Cologne Carnival Dates (2024)
- Weiberfastnacht/Women’s Carnival - February 8, 2024
- Carnival Friday - February 9, 2024
- Carnival Saturday - February 10, 2024
- Carnival Sunday - February 11, 2024
- Rosenmontag/Rose Monday - February 12, 2024
- Violet Tuesday - February 13, 2024
History and Significance of Cologne Carnival
Origins and evolution of the carnival
Centuries old, the tradition of the Cologne Carnival dates back nearly as far as the city itself. The organized festivities we see today took shape over 190 years ago, deeply rooted in Europe's long-time folk culture.
The word "carnival" originates from the Latin term carne vale, which signifies "meat farewell", highlighting its connection to religious observances like Lent. [1]
In essence, Carnival has always been a time for merriment and indulgence before a period of fasting and solemnity!
Symbolism and importance of costumes, parades, and "Rosenmontag"
Dressing up in costumes for the Cologne Carnival is a tradition dating back centuries. Each costume carries its own symbolism, often representing different characters, like clowns, and some even making (light-hearted) political statements.
In ancient times, people believed these elaborate disguises could ward off evil spirits. Although today you may see some modern costumes like Spiderman, nurse outfits, army uniforms, and so on, as people express themselves in different ways.
The highlight of Carnival, the Rose Monday parade, showcases this perfectly with floats complete with detailed artistry and theatrical performances.
Street parties and processions
For all six days, street parties and processions are the life of the Cologne Carnival. You'll see beer tents pop up all across the city, as revelers don their colorful costumes and join the throng.
This is where festival-goers let loose, dancing to music amidst a sea of color and pageantry. Shouts of "Kölle Alaaf!" (which means 'Cologne above all') fill the air as locals and performers express their enthusiasm. [2].
Spontaneous street parties are not unheard of, and be prepared for large crowds everywhere you go!
The highlight of Carnival has to be the Rose Monday Parade or Rosenmontagszug - with over one million people gathered along the streets for this massive procession! [3]
And it isn't limited to locals, travelers from around the world jump into these merrymaking events for an unforgettable experience. Just remember to prepare a costume early so you can blend in!
Carnival songs
Many think of costumes and wild parties, but the true essence of Carnival is the music. It plays a big role in the festival, with Carnival bands producing hit songs just for this occasion.
In fact, many locals have their favorite Carnival songs, and will happily sing along if they hear it being played!
If you plan to take part in the festivities, try to get familiar with some of the festival's biggest hits on YouTube, even if German is a challenge for you.
Carnival songs, performed in the local dialect known as "Kölsch", often have lyrics revolving around mischief, joy, and the freedom to dance and share kisses on the streets. The music and dancing not only entertain but also connect people – be it friends or strangers.
This is a great way to meet people, especially if you're traveling alone.
So get ready to dance and sing along when you join in the celebrations of the Cologne Carnival!
Costume parties and masked balls
Costume parties and formal balls have been an integral part of the Cologne Carnival since its early beginnings. In the 18th century, elegant masked and fancy-dress balls known as "redoutes" were organized by Cologne's high society, exclusively for the upper class.
These lavish events allowed participants to showcase their festive attire while enjoying music, dancing, and food.
Today, the tradition continues with ticketed masked balls, exclusive club parties, and special events at restaurants and pubs, like Gaffel am Dom and RÜH "Em Veedel", hosted throughout the Carnival season.
Because Carnival is so popular, make sure to reserve your spot early, or you may find that tickets and slots are all booked out. Many event tickets can be found here.
Traditional rituals
Granted, there are many who engage in Cologne Carnival to indulge in excessive drinking and playful antics, there's actually a lot of traditional rituals woven into the festival.
The Dreigestirn
The Dreigestirn is a significant tradition of Cologne Carnival! They are three individuals who are granted the coveted titles of maiden (Jungfrau), prince (Prinz), and peasant (Bauer) each year.
Every year they are different people, and believe it or not – candidates are picked from a waiting list of over five years!
The prince, also known as "seine Tollität" (His Madness), is the highest representative of the Carnival. You'll see him on the last float in the grand parade on Shrove Monday.
The Burning of the Nubbel
At the end of the Cologne Carnival, the night of Carnival Tuesday/Violet Tuesday, there's an event called The Burning of the Nubbel.
The Nubbel is a straw doll that represents all the sins committed during the crazy Carnival period. Initially, the Nubbel will go through a "trial" to establish if he's guilty. However, each year, he is inevitably held responsible for all misdeeds and must be burned.
When the Nubbels are set ablaze, it's believed to absolve everyone of their misdeeds, such as drinking too much, spending too much money, or the defeat of the city's favorite football team. Large crowds gather around the city to see it burnt.
As the Nubbels burn, the crowd joins in by singing songs and shouting "It's the Nubbel's fault! Death to the Nubbel!"
When this ritual ends, it's the official conclusion of the Cologne Carnival.
Little Kisses
During Carnival, strangers might give you a peck on the cheek (and sometimes the mouth) as a form of greeting. These are called Bützjes or little kisses, and are not meant to be taken as actual kisses; it's just part of the celebration. Your partner need not get jealous 🙂
Sequence of Events during Cologne Carnival
The Cologne Carnival season kicks off on November 11th at 11:11 am, but the real fun begins from Weiberfastnacht, packed with street parties and processions.
On Rose Monday, you can witness the grandest parade of all, featuring elaborate floats and colorful costumes. If you're planning on attending the carnival and wondering how many days to spend in Cologne, read on.
Cologne Carnival Season Begins at 11:11 on 11/11
Every year on November 11th at 11:11 am, the Cologne Carnival season kicks off with a bang! It marks the start of the Carnival, although the parties, parades and performances usually reach its peak only in February.
On this date, at precisely 11:11 am, Cologne kicks off celebrations by introducing this year's Dreigestirn.
If you're in town and want to catch the celebrations, head to the Old Town, which will be transformed into a full-out carnival with parades, locals in costumes, music, Kölsch beer, and plenty of snacks like fried potato pancakes and Mutzen, a sort of donut topped with powdered sugar.
The party usually lasts until late in the night, in pubs and restaurants around town, but you MAY have to make reservations.
Known as the "fifth season" in Cologne, Carnival season stretches until Ash Wednesday, before the onset of Lent. [4]
Carnival Thursday – “The Crazy Days” Begin
Carnival Thursday marks the beginning of the "Crazy Days" during the Cologne Carnival. This is an exciting time filled with festivities and celebrations that continue until Shrove Tuesday.
Things kick off at 9.30 am at Alter Markt (in the Old Town) with stage performances. Then at 11.11 am, the Mayor hands over the keys to the city to the Dreigestirn, who "take charge" of the entire city.
This official opening with the Mayor and the Dreigestirn is a closed event, and requires paid admission tickets. But if you don't want tickets, you can still walk around the city to soak up the Carnival atmosphere and see people in costumes. Who knows, a friendly local might even invite you to a party!
Many other Carnival-related events are also held on this day - some will require tickets to attend. Many event tickets can be found here.
Women’s Carnival Day
Carnival Thursday is also better known as Women's Carnival Day, or Weiberfastnacht. The festival involves a playful role reversal, where women symbolically "take control" for the day.
If a man meets a woman with pursed lips, he might get a kiss called the Bützje. But if she comes with scissors, he should expect his tie to be cut as part of the playful tradition.
These acts are done in good fun, and men may wear old ties to avoid losing their good ones!
Carnival Friday
Parties continue on Carnival Friday, and it's also when one of the most family friendly parades, the Star March (Sternmarsch) is held during this season.
People from 37 neighborhoods in the city march their way to the city center, the Alter Markt. The shape the parades form create a sort of "star", hence the name Star March."
They come from all directions, singing Carnival songs and lighting up the streets with sparklers. Many families grab spots in the free stands along the streets.
If you want a seat, get there early! Admission is free and starts at 4pm, and it's first come, first served.
Carnival Saturday
On Saturday morning, the Carnival association hosts Funkenbiwak, a free event at Neumarkt at 10.30am. It features performances by traditional corps with marching bands and guardsmen, and a special appearance by the Dreigestirn!
The highlight is the Stippeföttche dance, a playful ritual where two guardsmen bump their butts to the music.
If you grab a "Funkenstange" beer glass, you can get it filled with Kölsch for free at one of the beer stands, but the long queues may hinder your ability to drink till you drop.
Another highlight of Carnival Saturday is the Geisterzug, also known as the Ghost Parade, one of the most anticipated events during the Cologne Carnival.
Held on Saturday evening, the ghost parade opts for a new route annually, featuring political themes.
Lit by torches and accompanied by eerie music, the "ghost train" moves through the city in darkness, with participants dressed as creepy creatures, creating a haunting spectacle.
You can get updates on the Ghost Parade here.
Carnival Sunday
The cutest parade, Schull-un Veedelszöch parade, happens on Carnival Sunday, featuring school students and district clubs (Veedelszöch). Unlike the chaotic atmosphere that tends to grip other Carnival celebrations, this one is a lot more family-friendly!
More than 6,000 individuals parade through the heart of Cologne, following a route nearly identical to the Rose Monday procession.
This parade showcases the creativity, enthusiasm, and community spirit of those participating in the festival, and people really go all out with their costumes. In fact, there's usually even a costume competition at the end!
Rose Monday Parade – The Peak of Cologne Carnival
The Rosenmontag, or Rose Monday Parade is the main event of the Cologne Carnival, so if you want to experience the peak of Carnival, this is it!
The five-hour long parade is known as Rosenmontagszug, and brings together 12,000 participants, floats, carriages, 65 marching bands, dance groups, and even horses.
The Rose Monday Parade begins at 10 am from Chlodwigplatz, with floats delightfully showering spectators with flowers, chocolates, and candy as they make their way to Mohrenstrasse by late afternoon.
The streets are lined with excited spectators who cheer on the participants as they pass by. Shout "Strüßjer!" for flowers or "Kamelle!" for candy, and the people on the floats will toss them your way!
But just know that many companies, restaurants, shops, and cafés in Cologne often close during the parade to allow everyone to join in the festivities!
Carnival Tuesday
Tuesday marks the final day of the Cologne Carnival.
While smaller parades take place in various Cologne neighborhoods like Südstadt, Ehrenfeld, and Nippes, another thing to look forward to is the ceremonial burning of the Nubbels.
These life-sized straw figures are the scapegoat for all "crimes" committed during Carnival, and are usually set ablaze in front of different pubs. The biggest ceremonies are usually held in Kwartier Latäng.
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the official beginning of Christian Lent. It's customary for Catholics to attend church for repentance on this day. Another tradition is enjoying a fish dinner, which is served in restaurants and pubs throughout Cologne.
At midnight, a torchlight procession takes place, offering a unique and beautiful experience.
Where to Watch and Join In the Cologne Carnival Parades
The highlights of the Cologne Carnival is undoubtedly the parades, such as the Rose Monday parade and the Schull-un Veedelszöch parade.
If you want to be in the heart of all the action, you can watch the parade somewhere close to Neumarkt, Cologne Cathedral, Rudolfplatz or Severinsstraße.
Areas that are less chaotic are the areas around Friesenplatz, Appellhofplatz and Löwengasse and Mühlenbach.
Smaller parades in the neighborhood districts like Südstadt, Ehrenfeld, and Nippes are also worth checking out, if you prefer less of a crowd.
Don't forget your camera, as there will be plenty of photo opportunities, and a bag to collect the candies you catch during the Rose Monday parade!
Just keep in mind that these parades can get quite crowded, so plan your viewing spot ahead of time and arrive early for a prime position.
Where to Stay During Cologne Carnival?
Old Town – Best Place to Stay Near Carnival
The Old Town is the best place to stay if you want to be close to all the excitement of the Cologne Carnival.
Budget & Backpacking Options in Old Town
Mid-range Accommodation in Old Town
Luxury Hotels in old Town
Plus, staying in the old town means being within walking distance of attractions like the Cologne Cathedral and Chocolate Museum. Just keep in mind that some of these hotels don't have elevators, so pack light!
OUR PICK
BEST OLD TOWN TOUR!
If you want to make the most of the Old Town, having a guide who dives into the history and spills local stories is an absolute game-changer. This fun-filled Old Town Highlights Walking Tour is our favorite!
New Town – Near Carnival Festivities, Yet Quieter Than Old Town
If you're looking to stay close to all the Carnival celebrations in Cologne but prefer a quieter atmosphere, New Town (Neustadt) is the perfect choice.
Located just a short distance from Old Town, this area offers a peaceful environment for those who want some downtime after enjoying the festivities.
Budget & Backpacking Hostels in New Town
Mid-range Accommodation in New Town
Luxury Hotels in New Town
Soak up the energy of Carnival during the day and retreat to New Town for a restful night's sleep – it's the best of both worlds!
Belgian Quarter – Trendy Area with Amazing Nightlife
The Belgian Quarter in Cologne is one of the trendiest and coolest districts you can find. It's known for its hipster reputation and artisanal shops, making it a must-visit for any off-the-beaten track experiences.
When it comes to nightlife, this area does not disappoint. With hot bars, trendy cafes, and popular restaurants, there's always something exciting happening here after dark.
Whether you're looking to shop till you drop or experience the city's eclectic mix of food and drinks, the Belgian Quarter is the place to be during the Cologne Carnival.
Budget & Backpacking Options in Belgian Quarter
Mid-range Accommodation in Belgian Quarter
- Lasthaus am Ring
- NEU Innenstadt Altstadt Apartment in Top Lage von Köln
- Appartment mit großem Balkon im belgischen Viertel
Luxury Hotels in Belgian Quarter
Deutz – Best Place to Stay for Families
Deutz is the ideal neighborhood to stay in during Cologne Carnival, especially if you're traveling with your family. This area is known for being family-friendly, with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty of activities for all ages.
If you're looking for a peaceful place to unwind after a day of festivities, Deutz is the perfect choice.
Budget & Backpacking Options in Deutz
Mid-range Accommodation in Deutz
Luxury Hotels in Deutz
Friesenplatz – Best Place to Stay on a Budget
Friesenplatz is the ideal choice if you're on a budget during Cologne Carnival. You'll find affordable accommodations and budget-friendly hotels that won't break the bank.
By staying in Friesenplatz, you can enjoy Cologne Carnival while still staying within your budget.
It's a great option for travelers who want to have a memorable experience without overspending. Choose Friesenplatz as your base during Cologne Carnival and enjoy all the festivities without worrying about your wallet.
Budget & Backpacking Options in Friesenplatz
Mid-range Accommodation in Friesenplatz
Luxury Hotels in Friesenplatz
CARNIVAL MUST-HAVE
Did You Forget Your KölnCard?
Remember to redeem your official Cologne tourist card – it'll help you save money on attractions, shops, tours & restaurants.
Plus, it gives you free unlimited rides on public buses and trams! 
Cultural and Economic Impact of Cologne Carnival
Boost to local businesses and tourism
The Cologne Carnival brings a big boost to local businesses and tourism, contributing an impressive €596 million in economic value. [5]
In particular, it's a jackpot for the hospitality business, raking in over €460 million on average. Just the food and hotels alone chip in around €165 million! [6]
Preservation of cultural heritage and regional identity
This colorful festival, deeply rooted in the city's centuries-old history, brings people worldwide together to celebrate tradition, festivity, and German culture at its best!
Beyond its economic impact, the Carnival plays an important role in maintaining Cologne's identity for future generations.
Tips for Enjoying Cologne Carnival
What to wear - Cologne Carnival Costumes
While costumes aren't mandatory, it'll help you avoid sticking out like a sore thumb during Carnival season!
It's not how much you spend – but how creatively (or weirdly) you're dressed. The more creative your costume, the better! And whether you're a child or an adult, there are no limits, as long as your costume isn't offensive or rude.
From traditional carnival outfits to wild and wacky fancy dress attire, you can express yourself in any way you like.
Consider making your own costume using materials found around the house or browse local shops for costume ideas. Don't forget to pay attention to detail - real Jecks (the jesters of Cologne) are known for really elaborate costumes.
So let your imagination run wild and join in the fun by dressing up for this cultural tradition!
One tip though; wear old shoes because things can get messy with all the dancing and street parties!
Safety and etiquette guidelines
For a safe Carnival experience, more police presence and lighting have been added in dark areas.
If you're taking part in parties and staying out late, try to keep in well-lit spots, and promptly report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
The partying can get really wild at certain districts, especially Zülpicher Straße or Chlodwigplatz - so be warned (unless that's what you want)!
As always, it's best to drink responsibly. Yes, even during Carnival.
Check Out the Carnival Museum
Carnival is a beloved celebration, but why do we celebrate it, and what's the deal with the Dreigestirn?
To unravel these mysteries and understand the essence of carnival, you can explore the Kölner Karnevalmuseum (Carnival Museum), the largest of its kind.
The museum has tons of exhibits, giving carnival fans a wealth of info, covering all things related to the "fifth season", as they call Carnival in Cologne.
Conclusion: Cologne Carnival
The Cologne Carnival is a vivacious event that's a treasured cultural heritage of Germany. With its colorful parades, traditional rituals, and the way the community comes together in celebration, it's undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Cologne.
Key Takeaways
- The Cologne Carnival is a historic and vibrant celebration filled with costumes, parades, and traditions.
- Traditional costumes and rituals play an important role in Carnival, representing the history and customs of Cologne.
- Attending the Rose Monday Parade is a must-do if you want to experience the peak Carnival festivities in Cologne.
FAQs
1. What is the Cologne Carnival?
The Cologne Carnival is a fun-filled and colorful festival celebrated in the city of Cologne, Germany, known for its parades, costumes, music, and parties.
2. When does the Cologne Carnival take place?
The main part of Cologne Carnival takes place in February each year and culminates on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which falls on the Monday before Ash Wednesday.
3. What can I expect to see at the Cologne Carnival?
At the Cologne Carnival, you can expect to see elaborate floats, marching bands, costumed revelers dancing and singing through the streets, and people throwing sweets and flowers into the crowd.
4. How long does the Cologne Carnival last?
The festivities of the Cologne Carnival typically last for several days leading up to Rosenmontag but kick off on Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival) with a symbolic key handover from city officials to carnivalists.
However, "officially" the start of Carnival is on 11 November, 11.11am the year before.
5. Can anyone participate in the activities of the Cologne Carnival?
Yes! The Cologne Carnival is open for everyone to join in. Whether you are a local or a tourist, you can dress up in costume or simply enjoy watching and cheering along with the crowds.
References:
1: carnival | Etymology, origin and meaning of carnival by etymonline, retrieved from https://www.etymonline.com/word/carnival
2: Alaaf and Helau! Carnival in Germany, retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/alaaf-and-helau-carnival-in-germany/g-18245830
3: PRosenmontag 2018: What is the carnival all about?, retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2018/2/13/rosenmontag-2018-what-is-the-carnival-all-about
4: Cologne commemorates 200 years of carnival with thousands of revellers | Euronews, retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/2022/11/11/cologne-commemorates-200-years-of-carnival-with-thousands-of-revellers
5: Cologne carnival generates €600 million in economic value added, retrived from https://www.consultancy.eu/news/3884/cologne-carnival-generates-600-million-in-economic-value-added
6: Lucrative Carnival season - DW.com, retrived from https://www.dw.com/en/carnival-season-is-a-multi-billion-euro-business/a-16583975
