Although its climax is in February, the Cologne Carnival actually starts on November 11.
It’s all about the number 11 because, if you look closely, every year on 11/11 at 11:11 am the celebration kicks off with the proclamation of the Prince, the Peasant, and the Virgin, key symbolic figures of the Carnival, whose only break is during Advent and Christmas.
An ancient tradition that maintains its charm and importance intact, with events and parades that reach their real peak during the so-called “crazy days”: days of great fun starting with the Women’s Carnival.
This is a tradition reserved exclusively for women who, armed with scissors, go around in groups cutting the ties of unsuspecting passing men. Even the authorities give free rein to the ladies, so much so that the mayor steps down for one day in favor of the women who can decide to do whatever they want in the city.
The best of the Cologne Carnival, however, takes place between Fat Thursday and Ash Wednesday: during these days everyone, yes, everyone, takes to the streets with masks, costumes, colorful wigs, imaginative outfits and above all, rivers of beer to wet the celebration.
Despite the atmosphere of joy and freedom, everything is carefully planned and organized by dozens of city associations, especially in view of Rose Monday, the day dedicated to the parade of floats and people through the city streets, with taverns and bars open day and night. What finally brings the Cologne Carnival to an end is the tasting of the traditional fish menu served on Wednesday.
Everything returns to normal, the masks are put back in the cellar, offices resume their usual work routine, waiting for the next November 11.
