Few places take their carnival as seriously as Cologne—it’s one of the biggest in Germany and a week-long explosion of joy and celebration. Known as Fastelovend or the “fifth season,” Cologne Carnival takes over the city every February, and trust me, it’s impossible to miss if you’re visiting—even if you tried!
Cologne Carnival is no ordinary parade—it’s a full week of non-stop partying and celebrations in this historic city at the end of February. Want to make the most of it? Check out my guide below for everything you need to know!
Cologne Carnival 2025: Your ULTIMATE Guide!
What you need to know
- What happens at the Cologne Carnival? Singing, dancing, celebrating, drinking, it really is one big party!
- What is the best day for Cologne Carnival? All of the main 5 crazy days of the carnival are worth checking out, but the main parade is on the Monday.
- When is the Cologne Carnival? This year it begins on Thursday 27th February, with the main parade taking place on Monday 3rd March.
- How long is Cologne Carnival? The main parade is around 8km long.
- How many people attend Cologne Carnival? Over a million locals and tourists flock to Cologne to celebrate the Carnival!
What is Cologne Carnival?
So, what exactly is Cologne Carnival? It’s a celebration of epic proportions leading to Lent. It all begins on 11th November at 11:11, when the season is officially welcomed in. But after that, the celebrations take a back seat until the New Year—then the real party, known as the ‘crazy days’, begins! The highlight? The massive street carnival, which reaches its peak on Rose Monday, 40 days before Easter. The festivities really kick off about a week before, starting with Weiberfastnacht, with plenty of unique traditions unfolding in the days leading up to the big parade.
Here’s a summary of all the main events you need to know for the Cologne Carnival:
Weiberfastnacht – Women’s Carnival
Weiberfastnacht marks the official start of the Cologne Karneval with its own unique traditions. The celebrations kick off at 11:11 AM in Alter Markt (Old Market) as the Dreigestirn (the three carnival leaders) welcome in the Carnival, but the origins of this day go back hundreds of years. Legend has it that a group of washwomen, fed up with being too busy working to join the festivities, decided to take matters into their own hands—storming City Hall and throwing their own party.
Today, it’s a day where women take charge! A staged reenactment of the town hall takeover takes place, but the real highlight? The iconic tie-cutting tradition. Armed with scissors, women roam the streets snipping off men’s ties as a symbol of taking their power. In exchange for their lost tie, men receive a Bützen—a friendly carnival kiss!
Head to Chlodwigplatz in the afternoon to see the famous Jan and Griet play with those involved leading a parade back to Alter Markt afterwards.
While there aren’t many parades on this day, the city is buzzing with energy. There are plenty of parties in pubs and on the street and women collect handfuls of ties. Expect plenty of music, dancing, and costumes galore.!
Carnival Weekend
Though Weiberfastnacht ends the celebrations only continue. Lots of smaller parades take place throughout Cologne, converging in the city centre where there’s no shortage of bars and pubs offering a good time.
Sternmarsch – Star March
One of the most family-friendly events Cologne Carnival has to offer, the Sternmarsch takes place on Friday evening. Groups of people march through the city towards Altermarkt giving the event it’s name as the groups appear to come together like the arms of a star.
Geisterzug – Ghost Parade
Dating back to 1860, the Ghost Parade has become an integral part of the Cologne Carnival. It takes place on Saturday evening and is an alternative parade with political roots that anyone can get involved in!
Tulip Sunday
The highlight of Carnival Sunday is the Schull- und Veedelszöch, it’s a smaller parade featuring school children (Schullzöch) and makes for a great family event. There are also plenty of smaller parades throughout surrounding neighbourhoods put on by community groups (Veedelszügen).
Rose Monday
Rose Monday (Rosenmontagszug) is the absolute highlight of the Cologne Carnival parade — an incredible event that draws over a million people into the city. Stretching for an impressive 8km, the parade is brought to life with thousands of participants, from costumed dancers and marching bands to colourful floats rolling through the streets. Some will be singing, others will be dancing, but one thing’s for sure—everyone will be having an unforgettable time!
To snag the best view, make sure to claim your spot along the route early. And be sure to keep your hands ready! As the parade winds its way through the city, over 300 tonnes of sweets and around 300,000 flowers will be hurled into the cheering crowds. Shouting “Kamelle!” (sweets) or “Strüßjer!” (flowers) might just boost your chances of catching a colourful souvenir to take home!
The celebrations don’t end when the last float passes by. Follow the crowds into the city centre for a party that’s sure to last well into the night!
Violet Tuesday
After the wild celebrations of Rose Monday, Violet Tuesday marks the beginning of the end of the Cologne Carnival. While street parties and smaller parades keep the festive spirit alive, the city slowly starts to wind down—well, at least a little!
The real highlight? The burning of the Nubbel. This straw-stuffed figure, a sort of Carnival scarecrow, hangs outside pubs across the city throughout the festivities. But on Violet Tuesday, he meets a fiery fate. As the flames rise, so too does the idea that all the chaos, mischief, and overindulgence of Carnival go up in smoke with him—leaving Cologne refreshed, restored, and (supposedly) ready to return to normal life. Or at least, until next year!
Here’s a page detailing the sites of Nubbel burnings.
Cologne Carnival history
Cologne’s carnival (Kölner Karneval) traditions stretch back centuries, with records of city celebrations dating as far back as the 14th century. However, the modern version of the festival began in 1823 with the founding of the Festordnende Comité (Festive Committee)—a move that began to transform the medieval festivities into the event we know today. That same year also saw the introduction of Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), now the undisputed highlight of the Cologne Carnival.
The event is now not only one of the best-loved carnival in Germany, but the whole of Europe, drawing huge crowds every year.
Carnival traditions
The Cologne Carnival has evolved some fun traditions over time, here’s a quick rundown of some of the most well-known!
Kolsche songs
Walk past any pub during Cologne Carnival, and you’re bound to hear the sounds of Carnival songs spilling into the streets. Sung in the local Kölsch dialect, these anthems are all about city pride, friendship, and having an unforgettable time—and trust me, by the end of the night, you’ll be singing along too!
Kölle Alaaf!
You’ll hear “Kölle Alaaf” everywhere during Cologne Carnival—so much so that you might just get sick of it! Stemming from the medieval phrase “All ab”, it roughly translates to “Cologne above all” and is the ultimate way for locals to show off their city pride.
Dreigestirn
The Dreigestirn are the three iconic figures of the carnival in Cologne – essentially its mascots in full festive flair! This royal trio consists of the Maiden (Jungfrau), the Prince (Prinz), and the Peasant (Bauer), each playing a special role in the celebrations.
The Prince is the undisputed star of the show. He takes part in countless festivities and holds the place of honour on the very last float of the Rose Monday parade.
Funkemariechen
The Funkemariechen are a true highlight of Cologne Carnival – instantly recognisable in their military-style uniforms and famous for their high-energy, high-kicking routines. With their dazzling moves and electric energy, they bring an extra spark to the celebrations wherever they go!
Essential carnival phrases
There are a couple of different names for each of the carnival days to get your head around as well as some carnival phrases you’re bound to hear a lot of. Here’s some you need to know:
- Kölle Alaaf! – ”Cologne above all!”
- Strüsjer – Shout for sweets as the parade passes by
- Kamelle – Shout for flowers as the parade passes by
- Jeck – Anyone celebrating the Carnival
- Dr Zoch kütt! – ”The parade is coming!”
- Bützen – A carnival kiss
Names for each day of the Cologne Carnival:
- Weiberfastnacht – Also known as Carnival Thursday, Schmutziger Donnerstag, Fat Thursday or Women’s Festival Day.
- Karnevalsfreitag – Also known as Carnival Friday and Bunter Freitag (Colourful Friday)
- Karnevalssamstag – Also known as Carnival Saturday, Samstag vor dem Rosenmontag (Saturday before Rose Monday) and Kölscher Karneval Samstag (Cologne Carnival Saturday)
- Karnevalssonntag – Also known as Carnival Sunday.
- Rosenmontag – Also known as Rose Monday
- Veilchendienstag – Also known as Violet Tuesday and Karnevalsdienstag
Cologne Carnival Costumes
Normally, strolling around in an outrageously bright outfit might turn a few heads—but not at Cologne Carnival! Here, it’s quite the opposite. While costumes aren’t mandatory, the vast majority of people will be dressed up in some way, whether it’s a full-blown elaborate ensemble or just a fun wig.
Thinking of joining in? Just ask yourself: how can I be as bright and colourful as possible? Chances are, you’ll get it spot on. Travelling with friends? Themed group costumes are always a crowd-pleaser!
Not big on dressing up? No worries! If you’re looking for something simple, I’d go for something red and white, these are the city colours or just face glitter!
Cologne Carnival dates
So when is Carnival? Here are all the important dates you need to know for Cologne Carnival season 2025:
- Weiberfastnacht: Thursday 27th February
- Carnival Friday: Friday 28th February
- Carnival Saturday: Saturday 1st March
- Carnival Sunday: Sunday 2nd March
- Rose Monday: Monday 3rd March
- Violet Tuesday: Tuesday 4th March
- Ash Wednesday: Wednesday 5th March
Entry fee
While private balls and events around the city might require tickets, the parades and street festivities are completely free to watch.
Summary
There’s no carnival quite like Cologne Carnival—an epic, week-long celebration packed with endless parades, lots of good spirit, and, of course, plenty of beer! It’s the perfect early spring escape if you’re looking to shake off the late February gloom, and it’s sure to be a trip you won’t forget!
