Whoop it up at the Carnival in Cologne
Categories: Sightseeing, Cultural and History, Entertainment
Every year for about two weeks in February the whole city of Cologne (Cologne vacation rentals | Cologne travel guide) turns into a mad house — in the best sense of the word.
The official beginning of Cologne’s so called Fifth Season
, the German Carnival already is on the 11th of November at 11:11am but the crazy days
only last from Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Day) until Ash Wednesday. In 2010 the celebrations begin on the 19th February and ends on the 17th February.
During those days, which might be comparable to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the city doesn’t sleep. The hardcore Carnival fans — and that is basically every inhabitant of Cologne — are dressed up in sometimes highly imaginative, sometimes silly costumes all day and move from one party to the next. Often people just sing and dance on the streets in the town centre but there are various special events in most pubs and bars around the city as well. Additionally you can visit special Carnival sessions, which include typical German musical and comedy performances, or flaunt your fancy Carnival get-up at one of the many themed balls.
The highlight of the yearly celebrations is the mile-long parade on Rose Monday (23rd February 2010), which lasts for about four hours. Lead by Cologne's Dreigestirn
, the festive committee dressed up members of most of Cologne’s notable clubs and societies march through the town center. Many crazily and lavishly decorated trucks, crowded with cheery musicians and sexy dancers, who are usually the most fun to watch, accompany them.
[ source: koeln ]
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About this Article
This travel guide has been written by Kathrin Wagner.
She grew up in a small town in Bavaria and then studied Media studies, Literature and History in Erlangen and Munich. As a student she already spent half a year in London and moved back there after graduation in 2006. She is still living in London, where she works in publishing.
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