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This carnival parade, which passes through Cologne city centre, is considered one of the largest parades in Germany. And being part of it is everything. The parade has been rolling since 1823 - with floats, foot groups, dance groups and music bands - led by the "Blaue Funken" in the Cologne tradition. The Cologne Carnival spans six days, known as the “Crazy Days.” With 1.5 million attendees, it’s packed with parties, costumes, singing, and drinking. You’ll hear the carnival motto shouted across the city: “Kölle Alaaf,” which translates to “Long live Cologne!” Cologne Carnival 2025 Program: The Cologne Carnival (German: Kölner Karneval) is a carnival that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. Traditionally, the "fifth season" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of the 11th month November. Cologne is a stronghold of the Karneval tradition. As is Rio in Brazil, Venice in Italy and New Orleans in the US, Cologne is the beating heart of Karneval celebrations in Germany. In fact, Cologne has the largest Karneval celebrations in all of Germany with over 1.5 million visitors expected at the major parade. The world-famous Cologne Carnival (AKA the Kölner Karneval) in Cologne, Germany is a wonderful unhinged booze-fest that draws millions of visitors to the city every winter. Known as one of the best parties in Europe, I’ve always had my eye on attending. Fasching, Karneval and Fastnacht in Germany. Besides Cologne Carnival, you can always enjoy the Mardi Gras-esque celebrations in other locations in Germany. Known by different names depending on the region, German carnivals bring a flair of excitement and fun to the otherwise gloomy days of January and February. The pre-Lent celebrations unfold Mardi Gras There are a few places in the USA noted for their carnival observances. The most famous, of course, is New Orleans and its big “Fat Tuesday” Mardi Gras. That has a lot to do with the French influence in Louisiana (which was named for the French king Louis XIV). How and Where To Celebrate Karneval and Fasching in Germany (2023) Visiting Germany With Kids: How To Plan Perfect Family Holidays in Germany Things To Do In Germany in February The Complete Germany Driving Guide: German driving rules, tips, and more In Germany, their version of Mardi Gras is a big party, with the city of Cologne (Köln) being best known for the biggest carnival celebration in the country! Upon my research, I found that Fasching in Germany really begins on November 11 at 11 minutes past 11 in the morning, until the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. However do let them tell you how in Germany they love a billion different names for the exact same thing depending on where in the country you are! If you have never experienced Mardi Gras or Fasching before it is a little crazy and totally bonkers in the best senses of the words. Feasting, partying, costumes, parades and a total spectacle! The terms Karneval, Fasching, and Fastnacht refer to the pre-Lenten festivities across Germany, but their usage varies by region. Karneval is primarily used in North Rhine-Westphalia and the Rhineland, with Cologne being a major hub. Fasching is the preferred term in southern Germany, including Bavaria and Saxony. Mardi Gras is called Carnival, Fasching or Fassenacht in Germany. The opening of the so called fifth season is November 11th at 11:11 am. Carnival ends after the peak of shrove Monday and shrove Tuesday with it’s popular parades. In between there are many traditional events for and with the public. But there is more about German Mardi Gras What is Cologne Carnival? Cologne Carnival is a huge German festival that takes place in Cologne every winter. Carnival festivities actually last for months but the main events take place for about a week leading up to Ash Wednesday. Like Oktoberfest in Munich, street parties and beer tents can be found all over town. But Carnival also has some Plan the ultimate Fasching, Fastnacht, or Karneval experience in Germany with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the best parades, key event dates, travel tips, traditional foods, cultural etiquette, and essential packing advice to fully enjoy the festivities. Whether you're heading to Cologne, Mainz, Düsseldorf, or a Swabian-Alemannic Fasnet town, this guide has everything you need to COLOGNE, GERMANY. Most people probably wouldn’t quickly associate Mardi Gras fun to Cologne, Germany, but this city offers one of the world’s most extensive celebrations, spanning from mid-November to Fat Tuesday (usually in March). Where to Celebrate Karneval In Germany Karneval in Cologne. The Cologne, Germany Carnival is arguably one of the biggest celebrations in all of Germany, maybe even in all of Europe! In fact, over 1.5 million people flock to the Köln Karneval each year to party it up!
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