Helau, Alaaf and good night.

Experience sessions, balls and parades in Cologne! Millions of people celebrate in the carnival stronghold every year. Every year on February 20, the Rose Monday parade transforms the city and its inhabitants into a colorful spectacle.

The Mainz Carnival is one of the most traditional and largest carnival events on the Rhine. The “Fastnachtsbrunnen” (carnival fountain) is a landmark of the Mainz carnival. The Mainzer Fastnacht is characterized by a special sense of community. Look forward to an unforgettable celebration!

Alongside Cologne and Mainz, Düsseldorf has the largest Rose Monday parade in Germany. So: get your costume out, book your hotel and head off to the biggest social event that the capital celebrates each year!

Braunschweig also has a lot to offer during the fifth season. The Schoduvel, an old custom to drive away evil spirits, is celebrated loudly here. The Braunschweig Schoduvel is considered the largest carnival procession in northern Germany and has its own motto every year.

Aachen is considered the stronghold of the Rhenish carnival and the festival has a long tradition here. The first carnival uniforms, which were modeled on French military uniforms, appeared in Aachen. 

In Freiburg, carnival takes place on “Schmotziger Dunschtig”, the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. During the storming of the town hall, the jesters and fools take over the city.