Hello everyone! Would like to celebrate Carnival Season in Germany? It is usually called “the Fifth Season” and – frankly speaking – it is a very descriptive name. Costume balls, the bright and loud celebrations, parades and street events – all this means that Carnival (Karneval , Fastelovend or Fasching, as this usually is pronounced in Germany) has already begun. Would you like to join the crazy?

Carnival traditionally starts on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. On this date, the City of Cologne is filled with the carnival goers from all over the world. German Carnival is considered to be the last great event before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The celebrations occur 40 days before Easter. According to tradition, Heumarkt square is the starting point to celebrate the beginning of the new carnival season. The party spirit is everywhere! Carnival goers come together there to admire the so-called “Kölner Dreigestirn” – the famous carnival Cologne Trio including Peasant, Prince and Maiden. These carnival figures are deemed to be the highest representatives of the celebrations. The carnival is usually accompanied by marching bands from around the world, and, of course, the procession of “Council of Eleven”. They wear fool’s caps with tiny bells on, and these hats are considered the official carnival headgears. They are kinda cute, really! The carnival goers wear colorful costumes, fancy hats and fantastic make-ups.The famous musicians know how to fire up the colourful crowd and get them into the carnival mood. If started, the carnival never stops – the party continues on until the early morning. The crowd is balling, “alaaf” (traditional Carnival greeting used during the party) shouting and having a great time!

Rose Monday with the Cologne Trio, sweets, confetti, parade and bands; Women’s Carnival when lady can kiss any man if she would cut off his tie, a ghost parade – all these amazing sights are still ahead, so you can certainly visit one of the most spectacular events in the world. So, would you like to invite your gorgeous Russian bride to the traditional German Carnival and to fire up with her? The crazier, the better!