It’s Carnival Time! Kölle Alaaf! Long live Cologne!

Thursday the 18th of February marks the start of a week-long street festival also known as the the crazy days or "Jecke Tage." Expect the streets of Cologne to be filled with hoards of festive locals shouting "Kölle Alaaf!" which is Kölsch meaning "Long live Cologne!" Every year the three most prestegious people of the carnival "Dreigestirn" are bestowed the titles of virgin or "Jungfrau", prince or "Prinz", and farmer or "Bauer." The Dreigestirn open the carnival festivities with the Prinz holding the highest honour, and leading the main parades throughout the week. Oddly the Jungfrau is always a man in a virgin costume.

Thursday is "Weiberfastnacht" the Women’s Carnival Day where businessmen should take care not to wear their finest tie because it will most certainly be cut off by a gang of scissor wielding women! This unusual tradition stems from the conflict the women had with city hall officials as the demanded permission to join the carnival and the tie cutting symbolizes taking away some manly power. Men gladly take part in this tradition as any man who allows the destruction of a tie will be rewarded with a kiss or "Bützje." Visit the Alter Wartesaal for some alternative Weiberfastnacht festivities.

The Cologne Carnival consists of parades or "Zoch" and stage shows or "Funksitzungen," comedy shows and of course there are events throughout the city's bars, clubs, theatres , and stadiums. The Funksitzungen are a political satire and you can experience one at the Lanxess Arena on Friday.

Expect more than one million spectators to visit the parade on Rose Monday or "Rosenmontag". Will you be one of them? Participants throw candy at the spectators and it is a good idea to bring a bag or umbrella to catch the treats. If candy is not your thing the participants may also through flowers, soap, small toys and just about anything else that makes a good projectile.

Carnival Musicians

Bläck Fööss, De Höhner