Carnival in Germany: The Best Cities to Celebrate

Edson Amorina Jr

3 weeks ago

Travel Guide for the Carnival Festivities in Cologne in 2023, the most famous in Germany, with tips on transportation, accommodation, attractions and schedule.

Experience the German Carnival! From Cologne’s legendary parades to Munich’s grand masquerade balls, find the perfect celebration for you!

Carnival in Germany, known by different names such as “Karneval,” “Fastnacht,” and “Fasching,” is one of the country’s most grandiose festivals, especially in the western and southern regions. This vibrant celebration is marked by exuberant parades, colorful costumes, political satire, and lots of music, attracting thousands of visitors each year. Each city has its own unique carnival identity, providing distinct experiences for revelers.

During this festive period, the streets come alive with joy, as people in costumes, impressive floats, and cultural events make German carnival an unforgettable experience. Whether it’s the centuries-old traditions of Cologne, the satirical humor of Mainz, or the folkloric mysticism of Freiburg, there is a celebration for every taste and style.

If you want to experience this explosion of culture and fun, check out the main cities where Carnival in Germany is celebrated in a grand way and learn how to make the most of each one!

Our tips for Carnival in Germany

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Top Cities to Enjoy Carnival in Germany

Here are the top cities where you can enjoy this incredible celebration:

1. Cologne (Köln)

Cologne hosts the largest and most famous carnival in Germany, attracting millions of visitors from all over the world. During the days of celebration, the city’s streets transform into a giant open-air stage, filled with costumed revelers, grand parades, and an unforgettable festive atmosphere. The entire city participates in the event, inviting both locals and tourists to join the fun.

Brief History

The Cologne Carnival has medieval roots and was officially organized for the first time in 1823. Since then, it has become a fundamental tradition in the local culture, marking one of the year’s most anticipated events. Over the centuries, the festival has grown into a vibrant cultural expression full of symbolism.

Key Dates for 2025

Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Thursday) – February 27, 2025 – The official start of the festivities, when women symbolically take power.
Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) – March 3, 2025 – The highlight of the carnival, with a grand parade through the city’s streets.
Carnival Tuesday – March 4, 2025 – The closing of the festivities, culminating in the traditional burning of the “Nubbel.”

How to Enjoy

Wear a colorful costume and join the crowd in the streets to feel the true carnival energy.
Watch the Rosenmontag parade on Schildergasse, one of the city’s busiest and most emblematic streets.
Take part in the themed parties in bars and clubs throughout the city, where fun is guaranteed until the early hours.

Main Attractions

The Rosenmontag parade, featuring creatively and humorously decorated floats.
The traditional cheer “Kölle Alaaf!”, chanted by thousands of revelers in an enthusiastic chorus.
Special events in Heumarkt and Alter Markt, where shows and cultural performances take place.

To help you plan your trip, we have written a post that makes it easier to choose the best region and the best hotels to stay in Cologne, Germany.

2. Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a city known for its equally grand carnival, rivaling Cologne in terms of excitement and tradition. The city offers an irreverent and contagious atmosphere, with lots of interaction among revelers and a diverse program for all tastes.

Brief History

Düsseldorf’s carnival tradition dates back to the 19th century when the first organizing committee was established in 1825. Since then, the city has solidified itself as one of Germany’s top carnival destinations.

Key Dates for 2025

Weiberfastnacht – February 27, 2025 – Women symbolically cut men’s ties as a gesture of irreverence and power.
Rosenmontag – March 3, 2025 – Grand satirical parade through the city streets.

How to Enjoy

Explore the “Altstadt” (Old Town) and its themed bars, known as “the longest bar in the world.”
Watch the carnival parades and interact with the revelers on the streets, who are very welcoming.
Try the traditional Altbier, one of the city’s trademarks.

Main Attractions

The satirical floats that mock political and social issues during the Rosenmontag parade.
The open-air parties in Altstadt, where music and fun go on non-stop.
The Weiberfastnacht celebrations, where women take center stage in the festivities.

3. Mainz

Mainz hosts one of the most vibrant carnivals in Germany, known for its relaxed atmosphere and satirical humor. During the celebration, the city transforms into a grand stage for cultural performances, parades, and street parties.

Brief History

The Mainz Carnival has a long tradition dating back to the 19th century. It stands out for its strong political character, featuring satirical speeches and humorous critiques of world events.

Key Dates for 2025

Weiberfastnacht – February 27, 2025
Rosenmontag – March 3, 2025

How to Enjoy

Visit Schillerplatz, where comic speeches and musical performances take place.
Follow the Rosenmontag parade, featuring politically themed floats.
Explore the city’s traditional bars, where music and dancing continue until dawn.

Main Attractions

The floats that satirize political figures and international events.
The tradition of masks and costumes, many of which are handcrafted.
Live music bands that bring the streets and squares to life.

4. Freiburg

The Freiburg Carnival, known as Fastnacht, is a folkloric celebration marked by handmade masks and parades inspired by medieval rituals.

Brief History

Fastnacht in Freiburg is one of the most traditional festivals in southern Germany, with roots dating back to the Middle Ages. It is closely linked to ancient pagan celebrations of winter expulsion.

Key Dates for 2025

Weiberfastnacht – February 27, 2025
Main Parade – March 2, 2025

How to Enjoy

Watch the night parades, where masked characters walk through streets illuminated by torches.
Explore the medieval market, offering traditional foods and artistic performances.
Join the parties in historic bars, where local culture blends with the carnival revelry.

Main Attractions

The Witch Guilds parade, featuring masked groups representing witches and winter spirits.
Live folk music performed by bands dressed in historical costumes.
The Black Forest’s traditional cuisine, including smoked sausages and local pastries.

5. Munich

The Munich Carnival, known as Fasching, is one of the most sophisticated in Germany, featuring gala balls, luxurious parties, and lively parades.

Brief History

Fasching has its origins in the 15th century and combines Bavarian traditions with Austrian and Italian influences, resulting in an elegant and exciting celebration.

Key Dates for 2025

Fasching Ball at Viktualienmarkt – February 28, 2025
Carnival Tuesday – March 4, 2025

How to Enjoy

Attend the masked balls held in the city’s grand halls.
Explore the street parties at Marienplatz, filled with dancing and performances.

Main Attractions

The Faschingsumzug, Munich’s official Bavarian carnival parade.
Costume competitions that reward the most creative outfits of the event.

Carnival in Germany is a unique experience, full of traditions, culture and lots of fun. With an unparalleled festive atmosphere, each city offers a different experience for those who want to experience the magic of German Carnival.