Germany is famous not only for beer and prestigious cars. It is also famous for a huge number of well-known and domestic holidays, among which is the well-known Cologne Festival. How do hardworking and decent Germans conduct mass events? Judging by the carnival that takes place every year in Cologne, they do it with full dedication.
Carnival in Cologne
The famous holiday has been held for a long time on the eve of Lent. Thus, the inhabitants of Germany continue the pagan custom of seeing off winter. Approximately two hundred years ago, the carnival ceased to be a spontaneous event. For example, in 1823, the first "Carnival Committee" was founded, whose responsibilities included organizing folk festivals.
The Cologne festival has grown over time with many original traditions. These are, in particular, receptions, balls and a street carnival, at the end of which they hold a grand parade on Pink Monday. The modern carnival committee is developing the creative concept of the festival, writing scripts. In addition, he is responsible for coordinating the activitiesmore than a hundred holiday associations, orchestras, dance groups and so on.
Carnival season plan
Cologne Festival traditionally opens on November 11th. During the Christmas festivities, its ardor subsides for a while, but after the New Year, the colorful holiday continues with renewed vigor. The date of "Pink Monday", according to Christian tradition, is counted from the beginning of Lent. The event is held on the last Monday before Ash Wednesday. But there are still a few completely crazy days before him, when all the inhabitants and guests of the country live according to the principle “the more reckless, the more interesting.”
The Cologne Festival starts on Women's Thursday. According to an old German tradition, on this day, absolutely everything is allowed to women, they are forgiven even bold jokes addressed to the representatives of the stronger sex. For example, they cut men's ties on the street.
But the most significant event of this day is the official opening ceremony of the street carnival, which is held in the very center of old Cologne. On Friday and Saturday, large-scale events are not held, but they never do without fun performances, music and alcoholic drinks. On Sunday (Children's Day), costumed processions are held with the participation of schoolchildren, they start in the center of Cologne.
Pink Monday
Cologne carnival has a special meaning for the Germans. During this period, they cease to be important and stiff. They even stop saving their savings andthey spend them with pleasure in restaurants and pubs. The whole country temporarily forgets about work, career and even about the rules of conduct.
The procession on "Pink Monday" takes place under the call "Long live Cologne!". In response to these words, generous buffoons sprinkle sweets on the crowd of celebrating people. In the evening, the procession smoothly turns into a large-scale party. The carnival ends with the traditional burning of the doll. Young people mainly come to watch this ceremony.
