Fastnacht begins in Germany

Germany's "fifth season" began today—particularly in Düsseldorf, Cologne, and Mainz—and Karnival celebrations are underway. Want to celebrate too? Here's a list of events to keep you going from now until Ash Wednesday. Hellau!

A gaggle of lady bugs watch the festivities at the Mainzer Fastnacht. Photo (c) Nicolette Stewart

Mainz

February 16 to 21: Let the good times roll!  Many events will be going on for the holiday's duration (see below), but even without a schedule of events if you head to Schillerplatz or Höfchen, you're sure to find a group of costumed people celebrating, music, and stands selling food and beer.

February 18: Children's mask parade.  Begins at Leibnizstraße.  Click here for more information.

February 20: Rose Monday parade.  For more information on the parade and a short list of Rose Monday events, click here.

Radio station RPR1 is a big part of the Mainz Fastnacht celebrations.  You can find a schedule of their events here.

The city's schedule of events is available here.  

Cologne

Don't forget: in Mainz the Karnival greeting is "Helau," but in Cologne it is "AlaafAlaaf
If you hear this chant being bel"—and you don't want to get caught saying the wrong greeting in the wrong city.

February 18: Watch the Corps Troop gather Saturday evening at Neumarkt.

February 19: School and youth parades take place on Sunday throughout the city.

February 20: Cologne's "Dreigestirn" or Triumvirate will be on parade with many colorful floats.

Looking for something different?  Check out this guide to "alternative Karnival"—including The Ghost Parade and the burning of the "Nubbel"—by clicking here.

For more information on the history and culture behind Cologne's Karnival tradition, click here.

Click here for the Kölner Karnival Festkommitee schedule of events.

Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf and Cologne are fierce rivals when it comes to Karnival celebrations.  This year Düsseldorf's Karnival motto is "Hütt dommer dröwer lache," a phrase that only a local can translate...

February 18 & 19: Große Prunksitzung.  A Karnival "Sitzung" is an evening of mockery and comedy, most often presented from a stage to a crown seated beer-hall style.

February 22: Prinzengarde Party to "sweep out" the debris of the week's celebration with one last "hurrah."

A detailed schedule of city events can be found here.

So, to all you Karnival goers: AlaafAlaaf
If you hear this chant being bel, Helau, and bottom's up!  Happy Karnival!

A Karnival report

Won't be able to make it to any Karnival celebrations, but want to get an idea of the history and tradition behind them?  Find answers to your Karnival queries in the video below.