|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Cologne Carnival is a carnival that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. Traditionally called fifth season of the year, the Carnival is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of November. The Carnival spirit is then temporarily suspended during the Advent and Christmas period, and picks up again in earnest in the New Year. The time of merrymaking in the streets is officially declared open at downtown square Alter Markt on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. The Carnival really gets going in February. For five days leading into Ash Wednesday, cities and towns in the Rhineland turn into a massive party, complete with costumes, parades and a hoard of traditional Carnival songs. During the celebrations in February, Carnival lovers stage shows that highlight the Rhineland's cultural trademark. Then the festivities spill out into the streets once again with the arrival of "Fat Thursday," the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, when Carnival kicks into high gear once again. Street carnival, a week-long street festival, also called "the crazy days", takes place between the Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch). The "crazy days" are celebrated with parties in the streets, in public squares and in pubs. Closing times for pubs and bars are suspended for the duration of the festival. All through these days,
Cologne folks go out masqueraded. The typical greeting during the
festival is Kölle Alaaf!, a Kölsch phrase which can be translated as
"Cologne above all!" The carnival begins on February 7 this
year and ends on February 12.
|
||||
|
|
||||
