What's happening at Carnival 2024 in Cologne? The top parties & events

You might be asking yourself: "Thinking about Carnival already? I've only just thrown my New Year's resolutions overboard!"

We say: it's never too early to prepare for the carnival season! Real revellers know that the most sought-after carnival tickets sell out very quickly. That's why we've already done the research for you and will show you where you can sway, dance and party. Whether you want to dress up for just one day or want to party from Weiberfastnacht on 8 February to Ash Wednesday on 14 February - you'll find the perfect carnival party for you here! Of course, we've also written a whole article about the carnival processions - take a look here. KARNEVALSZÜGE 2024 IN COLOGNE And if you're not in the mood for carnival but still want to experience something, here are our alternative tips: NO CARNIVAL EVENTS

Events on Weiberfastnacht in Cologne

Carnival is traditionally celebrated on the streets on Weiberfastnacht. The opening takes place on Heumarkt, but there is also a lot going on in all the other districts of Cologne - whether you celebrate in Ehrenfeld, Südstadt or Alter Markt, in a pub, club or on the street to Cologne hits or electronic music, you can't avoid the hustle and bustle on this day.

Events on Carnival Friday in Cologne

We start the day a little later on Carnival Friday. Most of the events here start towards the evening. So throw on your next costume and explore a different neighborhood. A big highlight on this day is the star march. Cologne's Veedels clubs march from all directions to the Alter Markt. They celebrate together against this atmospheric backdrop and sparkle through the dark night with sparklers.

What's happening on Carnation Saturday in Cologne?

On Saturday, in addition to the traditional carnival events, you can also attend a comedy show or dance at the RADIO SABOR LATIN CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL party. We even have a lottery for tickets to the latter.

Events on Carnival Sunday in Cologne

Sunday is a day off? Not at carnival. The Schull- un Veedelszöch traditionally take place on Carnival Sunday. With over 8,000 active participants, they parade through the city on the route of the Rose Monday procession. This year you can celebrate here after the Schull- un Veedelszöch :

What's happening on Rose Monday in Cologne?

Rose Monday is the highest day of the Cologne Carnival and the highlight is definitely the Rose Monday parade. The 8.7 km long procession sets off punctually at 10 am. This year, the Zoch parade goes through the city under the motto "Wat e Theater - Wat e Jeckespill". Afterwards, you can continue the celebrations at the numerous After Zoch parties:

What can you experience on Veilchendienstag in Cologne?

Still not celebrated enough? Real carnival professionals are also at the start of the Cologne carnival on Tuesday! Unpack your new costume and off you go to the Nubbelverbrennung.

So, fools and fools! Now you know about the hottest carnival parties in Cologne for 2024, plan your outfits, polish your dancing shoes and get your tickets before they're gone! Cologne will once again be the epicenter of the festivities, and who wants to miss that? Let the anticipation rise and the confetti fly - 2024 will be legendary! Alaaf!

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Frequently asked questions about Cologne Carnival

You've just moved to Cologne and don't yet know what goes on at Carnival - you'll find your answers here.

1 What is special about Cologne Carnival?

Do you wonder what makes Cologne Carnival so unique? It's like another world! Here in the "fifth season", you can experience an atmosphere that is bursting with joie de vivre. With its colorful parades, exuberant sessions and balls as well as the legendary pub carnival, it is one of the biggest street carnival celebrations of all. The Rose Monday parade is the highlight of Cologne Carnival and a real highlight that you shouldn't miss.

2 When does the Cologne Carnival take place?

Already marked the date in your calendar? The Cologne carnival season starts on November 11 at 11:11 am and reaches its peak in the week before Ash Wednesday. Rose Monday always falls on the Monday before Ash Wednesday, which is 48 days before Easter Sunday. In 2024, the whole thing starts with Weiberfastnacht on February 8 and continues until Veilchendienstag, February 13. So, whether you're already in the mood or not - it's high time to get ready!

3. which Cologne carnival party should you go to?

When you think of carnival in Cologne, you think of party! And we're not talking about just any parties here - no, we're talking about legendary carnival parties with swaying, singing, dancing and performances by the numerous Cologne bands. Whether in cozy pubs or huge halls, the parties and sessions get everyone in the party mood with live music, DJ sets, traditional carnival songs and carnival speeches. Young and old, locals and visitors - everyone really celebrates here! You'll find a wide variety of carnival events on Rausgegangen - it's worth buying tickets in advance to reduce waiting times.

4. what are the typical traditions and customs of Cologne Carnival?

Want to know what makes Cologne Carnival so special? It's the traditions, the togetherness and the warmth: from flashy costumes to the unmistakable cry of "Kölle Alaaf" - this is the stuff that carnival dreams are made of. The carnival processions are a colorful spectacle and the triumvirate of prince, farmer and maiden are simply cult! LaFang Kamelle, hand out Bützje and sway arm in arm to "En unserm Veedel". It is the Kölsche Jeföhl and heart that sweeps everyone away at Cologne Carnival. Another tradition is the burning of the Nubbel - on Veilchendienstag, the day before Ash Wednesday, the Nubbel is burned in many Cologne pubs. The Nubbel is a straw doll that is hung over the doors of the pubs on Weiberfastnacht at the latest. The celebrations then continue for six days and before everything is over on Ash Wednesday and Lent begins, the revellers burn the Nubbel on Tuesday. This symbolizes the sins that have been committed during the last few days. These, as well as the carnival, are carried to their graves in a procession followed by a ceremony. A crazy spectacle that you should see for yourself.

5 What should visitors to Cologne Carnival bear in mind?

You may be asking yourself: "What do I have to consider as a carnival newcomer in Cologne?" The right preparation is everything! It's important to be prepared for the crowds. But don't worry, with a little planning you can do it. Think about your costume - it's almost compulsory to dress up in Cologne. Be creative, let off steam - special costumes are always welcome. Find out about the events in advance, take a look at the parade route in your neighborhood and check out the hottest party locations. And most importantly: stay respectful and kind, enjoy the exuberant atmosphere and immerse yourself in the sea of color and cheerfulness. Whether you immerse yourself in the world of fools for just one day or party from Weiberfastnacht to Ash Wednesday - you're guaranteed to find your carnival moment in Cologne! So pack your five senses and let yourself be enchanted by the Cologne carnival. Alaaf!

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