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….
Hot Carnivals in Europe
Some of the most famous carnivals in Europe. Nice, Santa Cruz and the big one in Venice of course. Some less known and some going on til later springtime.
Check them out here !
Check them out here !
Fasnacht in Basel, Switzerland – Monday morning 2 March 2020
The Swiss carnival, called Fasnacht is an exciting experience. Held the first Monday morning after Ash Wednesday.
Carnival in Binche, Belgium 23 – 25 February 2020
In 2003 Binche Carnival was recognized by UNESCO as a “masterpiece of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity”. A unique carnival worth seeing.
Ivrea Historic Carnival and Battle of the Oranges, 20 – 26 February 2020
The battle of oranges with around half a million kilograms of oranges. It takes place in Ivrea Italy. A well organized Carnival steeped in history.
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.
Europe’s loudest festival ! Las Fallas in Valencia, 15 – 19 March 2020
Known for its lights, gunpowder, traditional costumes, fireworks or music, so visiting Las Fallas and Valencia in middle March is a great travel tip. Las Fallas takes place every year on the dates 15 - 19 March.
Carnival Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, February 2020
Las Palmas Carnival is an annual event to rival Rio de Janeiro's Carnival. Flamboyant costumes, dancing, music - it's one giant party.
Wild street party at Tenerife Carnival, 19 February – 1 March 2020
Tenerife Carnaval is going on in the weeks before Lent begins, so the start date varies each year. Main celebrations are in the capital city, Santa Cruz.
Carnival in Cadiz, Spain, 20 February – 1 March 2020
Cadiz, the big city on Andalucia´s Atlantic coast, can proudly claim to have the oldest carnival celebrations on mainland Spain
The beautiful Carnaval in Nice, 15 – 29 February 2020
Carnaval Parades by day and night; Flower Battles; fireworks and the burning of an enormous King and much more and lot of fun, that's Nice Carnaval
Lemon Festival in Menton, France 15 February – 3 March 2020
Menton Lemon Festival – is now an internationally renowned event, with over 160,000 visitors to a joyful fruity jamboree every year.
Enjoy the famous Venice Carnival 2020. It’s Going on 8 – 25 February
Enjoy the most famous carnaval in Europe, Venice Carnival. Dates for 2020 are; February 8 - 25. Check out some tips and info here.
Translate (Google translated – English is the default language)
