Carnival Friday

In the evening: masked balls and parties

Carnival Saturday

Following a traditional Cologne "Frühschoppen" or early-morning drink, at 10.30 a.m. you should head for the "Funkenbiwak" at Neumarkt. The city is overflowing with "Jecken" or Carnival figures by the afternoon.

In the evening: parties, parties and even more parties

Carnival Sunday

Parade through the city centre from 10:30 p.m.: School groups in fancy dress and original costumes of clubs in the city quarters. In the evening: masked balls and parties

Rose Monday

The climax of the Carnival with the large official parade from 10:00 a.m., organized by the Cologne Carnival Committee of 1823: It is a colourful spectacle with sweets (“Kamelle”), little bouquets of flowers (“Strüßjer”), pecks (“Bützje”) and over one million of spectators in fancy dress. All day the city echoes to the sounds of the Carnival battle cry: "Kölle Alaaf", which means "Long live Cologne!".

Evening: the celebrations continue in halls, restaurants and pubs.