‘Kölle Alaaf!’ It’s carnival season in Cologne

During the first months of the year, Cologne is full of carnival laughter, fun and spirit. The season, traditionally named the ‘fifth season’, is declared open during November, suspended throughout Christmas, and then picks up to its height in celebration of the New Year.

The carnival has been celebrated in Cologne for decades, with the season officially being ‘organised’ in 1814, leading to the formation of the ‘Festordnendes Komitee’ in 1823 – who remain the festival committee today.

Within the city, the biggest street festivals begin on the Thursday before Lent, officially announced  at downtown square Alter Markt, where the frenzy begins.

‘Street Carnival’ is a week long festival, where locals and tourists alike let their hair down for drinking, singing and dancing in the streets. Throughout the week, carnival goers flock out masqueraded and greet each other with the traditional phrase ‘Kölle Alaaf!’ which literally translates to ‘Cologne about all!”

During the celebrations it’s not unusual to spot adults dressed as cartoon characters, plenty of wigs on heads, people in animal costumes, painted faces and lots of clowns – involved in the celebrations, as well as watching them!

On Ash Wednesday the carnival ends and it’s traditional to mark this by eating fish; visit local restaurants and pubs and fish will be the main offering on the menu! Enjoying a fish supper declares the end of the season, but the memories (and possibly your hang-over) will most definitely last longer.

If you want to experience the spirit of Cologne carnivals for yourself, why not take a look at our latest Eurostar deals.

Both Photos: “Cologne Carnival 2009“ by “Harold R“