Karneval Time

Flickr: Florian Seiffert (F*)

All throughout the Rhineland it is now Karneval. This is a festival that has been celebrated in this area since the 14th century, and it is so important in these parts that it is also considered to be the 5th season in Germany. The festival officially starts on November 11th at 11:11am and last until Ash Wednesday. Today the season comes into full swing as more and more people join in the festivities. As this is my first season celebrating Karneval I’m still not sure what to expect. All I know is that I am excited for whatever foolishness is about to occur.

So far the 5th season has been incredibly interesting, and the real celebrations haven’t even begun yet! Every weekend I’ve been out since New Year’s Eve I have seen more and more hilarious looking adults dressed up in the most ridiculous costumes partying all around the area. It is customary to wear costumes to different events, and many people have multiple costumes that they change into every different day of Karneval. So far I have three costumes planned, starting tomorrow when I will be dressed as Pocahontas and ending on Monday when I will be dressed as a neon colored clown.

Today is weiberfastnacht which stands for women’s day. I am taking off work to join in the festivities which take place at town hall. During weiberfastnacht women storm the mayor’s office and throw them out, and in their place they leave the Karneval Princess who will preside over the area until the festival is over. If men are daring enough to wear their ties to work on this day they shouldn’t be surprised if a woman comes up to them and cuts it off in exchange for a small kiss, even if it is an expensive tie.

The highlight of Karneval season is on Rosenmontag when 1.5 million people gather in the streets of Köln to watch as the huge Karneval parade goes by. I have personally been looking forward to this festival since I knew that I would be moving to Germany, and I am so glad it is finally here. I think that this is such an interesting topic, that I promise to leave updates next week with everything I experience. Let the party begin…Happy Karneval everyone or “Kölle alaaf” as the locals would say!!