2022 Carnival
Carnival is back after two years away, better and safer than ever! This year's events will kick off on Thursday, February 24th and last until Monday, February 28th.
Hotels
Parties
Costumes
HotelsPartiesCostumesTHURSDAY, FEB 24TH - "The Crazy Days"
The Thursday before Rose Monday markes the official start of "The Crazy Days" and all of the carnival-goers head to the Cologne city centre to begin festivities at 11:11am. It is a day filled with German "Carnival" music, thousands of people dressed in costumes, along with pubs and bars open until late in the night.
FRIDAY, FEB 25TH - Recovery Day #1
This day is seen as a recovery and recoup day. There are still carnival events and festivities going on in pubs and bars, but far less people are out and about. At night, people join together at Alter Markt Square where they light sparklers and sing Carnival songs, similar to traditional Christmas Carols.
SATURDAY, FEB 26TH - The Ghost Parade
The morning begins with a "Fruhschoppen," or an early morning drink beginning at 10:30am at Neumarkt. It is a laid back day and then in the evening there is a Ghost Parade,in which people dress in spooky costumes, masked balls, and multiple parties happening.
SUNDAY, FEB 27TH - Preperation Day
Sunday is a very quiet day due to the previous three party days and most importantly, the festivities that take place on Monday.
MONDAY, FEB 28TH - Rose Monday Parade
The PEAK of Cologne Carnival! Over 1.5 million people are in attendance all throughout the city to watch the colorful parade take place beginning at 10:30am. There is music, flowers, candy, costumes, and a German favorite -- BEER!