Practical Tips and Information for Carnival 2024 in Germany

Edson Amorina Jr

10 months ago

Best Touristic Attractions and Guided Tours in Germany

Practical tips and information for Carnival in Germany including dates, best destinations, costumes, what to eat, where to go and what to do.

Carnival in Germany is a popular festival that takes place between February and March, depending on the year. It is a tradition that dates back to the Middle Ages and involves parades, costumes, music and lots of fun.

We have a posts about Carnival in Cologne, Germany:

Carnival 2024 in Cologne in Germany – Tips and travel guide

If you plan to travel to Germany in 2024 and participate in Carnival, here are some tips and practical information to make the most of this experience.

Best Touristic Attractions and Guided Tours in Germany

Suggestions of guided tour deals and touristic attractions in Germany. For planning a trip to Germany, we have some publications that can help a lot:

We also write about 8 of the best attractions on the Romantic Road in Germany with up-to-date tips, be sure to check it out .

Search for the best place to stay at Berlin, including hotel and hostel at different prices.

When is Carnival in Germany?

Carnival in Germany is celebrated mainly in Catholic regions, and the dates vary depending on the religious calendar. The period of carnival festivities in Germany officially begins on November 11th at 11:11am and reaches its peak during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday. However, the most prominent events usually occur in the days leading up to Shrove Tuesday.

Shrove Tuesday, known as “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), is especially famous for the parades and festivities in many German cities. The exact dates may vary from one year to another, as they depend on the liturgical calendar of the Catholic Church.

In 2024, the main Carnival parties in Germany start on February 8th and end on March 14th.

What are the most famous cities to enjoy Carnival in Germany?

The most famous cities to enjoy Carnival in Germany are:

Cologne (Köln) : is the most famous city of German Carnival. The festival is known for its float parades and music bands. Cologne’s float parade is the largest in the world, with more than 10,000 participants and 100 floats.
- Cologne’s float parade takes place on Carnival Monday, known as Rosenmontag. The parade starts in the city center and follows a route of around 6 kilometers. The floats are decorated with different themes, such as politics, current affairs, culture and humor. The parade is accompanied by music bands and dance groups, which entertain the public with music and dance.

We have a specific itinerary for you to experience Cologne Carnival , be sure to check it out.

Mainz: is another important city for German Carnival. Mainz parades are known for their creativity and humor. The Mainz float parade takes place on Shrove Tuesday, known as Veilchendienstag.
- The parade starts in the city center and follows a route of around 5 kilometers. The floats are decorated with different themes, such as politics, current affairs, culture and humor. The parade is accompanied by music bands and dance groups, which entertain the public with music and dance.
Düsseldorf: is a modern and cosmopolitan city that also has a great Carnival. Düsseldorf parades are known for their energy and joy. The Düsseldorf float parade takes place on Carnival Wednesday, known as Aschermittwoch.
- The parade starts in the city center and follows a route of around 4 kilometers. The floats are decorated with different themes, such as politics, current affairs, culture and humor. The parade is accompanied by music bands and dance groups, which entertain the public with music and dance.

In addition to these cities, other German cities also celebrate Carnival with great enthusiasm, such as Frankfurt, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin and Leipzig.

What are the main attractions of Carnival in Germany?

The main attractions of Carnival in Germany are:

Float Parades: Float parades are one of the most popular attractions of German Carnival. The cars are decorated with different themes and are accompanied by music bands and dance groups.
- The float parades are a great opportunity to get to know the culture of German Carnival. The cars are decorated with different themes, which can be political, current, cultural or simply humorous. The parades are accompanied by music bands and dance groups, which entertain the public with music and dance.
Street parties: Street parties are a great way to experience German Carnival culture. The festivities are lively and include music, dancing and typical food.
- Street parties are a great way to have fun and meet new people. The parties usually take place in public squares and streets, and feature live music, dancing and lots of food and drink.
Masquerade balls: Masquerade balls are a German Carnival tradition. The balls are elegant and feature music, dancing and lots of fun.
- Masquerade balls are a great way to dress up and have fun. Dances usually take place in clubs and ballrooms, and feature live music, dancing and lots of food and drink.

What to wear to Carnival in Germany?

For Carnival in Germany, people usually dress up in colorful and creative costumes. The German Carnival is known for its lively festivities, extravagant parades and events with active public participation. Here are some suggestions on what to wear:

Themed Costumes: Choose costumes that are in keeping with the Carnival theme or that are simply fun and creative. Traditional costumes such as clowns, fairy tale characters, superheroes and funny characters are popular.
Regional Costumes: Some regions of Germany have traditional costumes associated with Carnival. For example, in Cologne, the presence of “Jecken” (revelers) is marked by colorful costumes and festive accessories.
Masks and Accessories: Colorful masks and extravagant accessories are key elements of Carnival costumes. You can use decorative masks, wigs, funny hats, flashy glasses and other accessories to complement your outfit.
Artistic Makeup: Makeup plays an important role in Carnival costumes. Consider experimenting with colorful and artistic makeup to enhance your festive look.
Group Attire: If you’re attending group festivities, coordinating costumes can add a special touch. It can be a specific theme, characters from a film or even costumes that form a harmonious set.

Remember that fun and creativity are the main elements of Carnival in Germany. There are no strict rules for costumes, so feel free to express your personality and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

What to eat at Carnival in Germany?

During Carnival in Germany, people often enjoy a variety of traditional dishes and special delicacies associated with the season. Some of the typical gastronomic options during Carnival include:

Berliner Pfannkuchen (Berliner): A type of donut filled with jam or cream, often sprinkled with sugar. This sweet is especially popular during Carnival.
Krapfen: Similar to the Berliner, the Krapfen is a type of donut filled, often with jam or cream. It is a delicacy consumed during carnival festivities.
Mutzen: These are types of fried dough balls, usually sprinkled with powdered sugar. They may have different regional variations.
Heringsschmaus: Although not exclusive to Carnival, Heringsschmaus is a common dish during the season. It consists of marinated herring served with onions, potatoes and other side dishes.
Local Beers: During carnival festivities, it is common to enjoy local beers. Many German cities have seasonal or special beers associated with Carnival.
Sausages and Grilled Meat: At outdoor events and street parties, it is common to find stalls serving grilled sausages and other meats, offering quick and tasty options.
Pretzels (Brezel): Soft or crunchy pretzels are popular snacks during Carnival. They can be consumed alone or accompanied by mustard.
Festive Treats: Some regions may have specific sweets or treats associated with local Carnival traditions. Check the specialties of the area you are visiting.

These are just a few suggestions and the variety of dishes may vary depending on the region. Trying local delicacies is a fun part of celebrating Carnival in Germany.

Tips for enjoying Carnival in Germany

Plan your trip in advance: Carnival in Germany is one of the most popular festivals in the country, and cities are crowded during the period. Therefore, it is important to plan your trip in advance, especially if you want to participate in the float parades.
- Mainly book your accommodations with enough to guarantee a place to stay during the season.

Our tip is to check out the best Hotel, Hostel and B&B options on Booking.com .

Purchase tickets for the float parades: The float parades are free, but purchasing tickets is recommended to ensure a good spot. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office at the parade locations.
Dress up: Carnival in Germany is a fancy dress party, so dress up to have even more fun. You can find typical clothes in costume stores or in stores specializing in Carnival.
Learn some Carnival jargon: Carnival in Germany has its own jargon, which includes words and phrases like “ Alaaf ” and “ Helau ” which are expressions of joy shouted by revelers. Learning some lingo will help you integrate into the party.
Drink in moderation: Carnival in Germany is a drinking festival, but it’s important to drink in moderation to avoid problems.
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking a lot, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes.
Bring a snack and water: Street parties can be long, so it’s important to bring a snack and water to stay hydrated.
Protect yourself from the cold: Carnival in Germany usually takes place in winter, so it’s important to protect yourself from the cold. Bring a coat, hat, gloves and scarf.