Why is the Cologne carnival celebrated?

Carnival in Cologne is almost as old as the history of the city itself. But it has been celebrated in the organized fashion we know today for only about 190 years. The Greeks and the Romans celebrated joyous spring festivals in honor of Dionysus and Saturn with wine, women and song.

What is the Karneval cheer to the city of Cologne?

“Kölle Alaaf” is the cheer of the carnival revellers. It is derived from a medieval toast: “All ab” (All-av). It more or less means “Cologne alone” or “Cologne over everything.” It’s the shortest imaginable declaration of love to Cologne.

What happens at the Cologne carnival?

There are numerous parades in the city districts, a so-called ghost parade on Saturday evening and a colourful parade of the Cologne schools and smaller carnival clubs on carnival Sunday.

When was the first Cologne carnival?

February 10, 1823
On February 10, 1823 Cologne celebrated the first Rose Monday (“Rosenmontag”) with the motto “Inthronisation of the Carnival Hero”.

Who celebrates Karneval Cologne?

This colorful festival takes place 52 days before Easter and ends with a celebration before Ash Wednesday. Germans celebrate Carnival in several different regions and ways throughout Germany.

Why do the Germans celebrate Karneval?

Fasching (also known as Karneval) is a time of festivity and merry making – a time to break the rules, poke fun at those who make them and then to make your own new rules. In Germany, particularly in the Rhineland area, the tradition can be traced to medieval times where many countries existed under harsh rules.

What do people do on Karneval?

During Karneval time, the common people took a chance at ‘living it up” and “talking back to their rulers”. They would make a mock government of eleven people, as well as other officials. A prince and princess were selected to rule the country during the Fasching season.

What do Karneval people eat?

GERMANY. Carnival is celebrated in seven regions across Germany and showcases traditional food such as bratwurst or German sausages, krapfen (similar to doughnuts), fresh pretzels and mulled wine.

What do Germans eat for Carnival?

To accompany this great fun, street vendors offer simple German fare to keep Carnival enthusiasts happy. On every corner, one can buy fresh pretzels, hot sausages (Bratwurst) or Krapfen, the German answer to donuts. They may also enjoy mugs of hot-spiced wine (Glühwein), which helps the Carnival crowd stay warm!