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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. It was a festival that originated in the cities, most notably Mainz and Speyer. And it was already established in Cologne by 1234. Traditionally Carnival is a four-month celebration that begins on the 11 th of the 11 month (November) every year. It also begins right on the clock of 11 minutes past 11. 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 📖 The Cologne Carnival history . The Cologne Carnival origin has roots that go way back to the Middle Ages when Cologne’s folks needed a break from the biting cold. Carnival became the ultimate solution, offering them a chance to live it up, enjoy rich foods, and throw an amazing celebration before the somber fasting days of Lent took over. This is the Ultimate Guide to Carnival in Cologne, Germany’s Most Underrated Festival What is the Cologne Carnival? Not to be confused with a pop-up fair or carnival, Karneval in Germany is the equivalent to Mardi Gras in the United States or Carnivale in Brazil. It is a week-long party leading up to Ash Wednesday and the start of the Lent 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. COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — At 11:11 a.m. on Thursday, hundreds of thousands of carnival revelers took over the streets of the Rhineland in western Germany, dancing, singing, drinking and showing off their colorful costumes. 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). German Karneval Mardi Gras or Carnival (Karneval) goes by a lot of different names: Fasching, Fastnacht, and Fassenacht. But it all means one thing fun! Germans consider this time “the fifth season” of the year, and it starts on November 11, or specifically, on 11.11 at 11:11 am. 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 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. 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. 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 The German version of Mardi Gras, Karneval is a chance for Germans to party and go wild before Ash Wednesday. But where Fat Tuesday is the big day at Mardi Gras, in Germany it's Rose Monday. Rose Monday- Rosenmontag Locations. Some of Germany's most renowned Fastnacht celebrations occur in Köln (Cologne), Rottweil in Baden-Württemberg, and Braunschweig. Cologne, widely regarded as the epicenter of German carnival festivities, attracts millions of revelers with its grand parades, colorful costumes, and energetic street parties. 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 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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