The largest carnival in Germany – Cologne Carnival
20 – 28 February 2020
Cologne Carnival is one of the biggest and most famous in Germany.
Carnival has been celebrated in Cologne for centuries and today there are over 160 carnival societies, which all organize carnival festivities.
Officially Cologne Carnival kicks off on 11 November at 11:11, but it’s the last five days – called crazy days – that most people think of when talking about the Cologne Carnival.
About Cologne Carnival
Anyone who has visited Cologne outside of Carnival time would find the city hard to recognize with the metamorphosis that takes place at this crazy time of year.
There are parties everywhere – in the streets, pubs and publics squares – with everyone dressed in bright costumes.
Your costume will probably be more fun than fancy – it’s worn to keep you warm as much as to show you are joining in the carnival spirit!
Closing times for bars and pubs don’t exist during the festival meaning that a whole lot of fun takes place over these five days.
When raising a glass, forget Prost, the carnival greeting is Alaaf!
It all starts with a day for the ladies – Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday) – where you’ll see women in fancy dress heading for the Alter Markt where Carnival officially opened by the Dreigestirn (the Prince, the Peasant, and the Virgin)
The climax is the parade through the city center on Rose Monday.
It begins at 10:30, a route of 6 km, has over 70 decorated floats and takes over 3 hours.
The float participants throw flowers, sweets, and other small gifts to the crowds.
Maybe you’ll catch a bottle of the city’s famous Eau de Cologne.
Hotel Tips
Where to stay during Cologne Carnival?
Carnival is one of the busiest times in Cologne so book as early as you can.
Enjoy local hospitality at the small, family-run hotel, Maritius Komforthotel.
It’s located in the Old Town only minutes walk away from the Dom and the central train station.
Just one of many options as Cologne has over 250 hotels.
Getting to Cologne
Cologne is situated on the Rhine in west Germany.
It’s easily accessible by road and train and is serviced by Cologne-Bonn Airport.
The airport is connected to the center of the city with good rail links.
Cologne has a good public transport network of buses, trams, and subway.
Frankfurt and Dusseldorf Airports are alternative options with good rail connections to Cologne.
More about Cologne
This 2,000-year-old city on the banks of the Rhine River is the country’s oldest city.
It’s most famous landmark is the Cologne Cathedral (the Dom), a twin-spired example of High Gothic architecture.
Much of Cologne was destroyed in World War II and the Old Town you see today has been faithfully rebuilt.
Visit a local “Brauhaus” (brewery) for some hearty German food and wash it down with a “Kolsch” (the local brew).
Things to do in Cologne
More carnival events in Europe….
Cologne Carnival. The Largest Carnival in Germany, 20 – 28 February 2020
Cologne Carnival is known as the "fifth season" in this Rhineland city and the festivities culminate in a big parade on Rose Monday.
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