If you love to party, you’ll enjoy carnival time in Germany. This is your chance to have fun and take part in some of the best carnival celebrations in Europe. But where should you head for?
We suggest you rent a car so you can make the most of your trip to these popular carnival cities.
Carnival in Cologne
Head for Cologne at the end of February/beginning of March and you’ll find traditional carnival activities on most streets. Singing, dancing, parades – there’s plenty of entertainment for all the family.
This is one of the largest carnivals in Germany and promises a vast range of festivities for all the family. With nearly 200 carnival clubs in Cologne, you’re sure to be impressed with what you see.
Join in the fun and dress the whole family up and wander the streets stopping at street markets and bars for refreshments. The frivolities end with the ‘Crazy Days’ when everyone sings and dances together, whether they know each other or not! There’s an enormous bonfire in the Kwatier Latäng area where you can watch the giant effigy of Nubbel being burned.
Düsseldorf Carnival
Another excessive carnival takes place in Düsseldorf in mid-February. Located on the banks of the Rhine, this carnival is one not to be missed. With plenty of singing, dancing and German beer flowing you’re sure to have a great time.
This is a carnival for all ages and you’ll see grandparents celebrating with toddlers with everyone dressed in bright colourful costumes of course. Lots of impressive processions wind their way through the streets of the city, starting in the old quarter.
Take the opportunity to let your hair down and celebrate in true German style. As with all the carnivals in Germany, the festivities end on Rose Monday, the day before Shrove Tuesday. The day is named after the German word ‘roose’ which means to have fun.
Discover the Black Forest Carnival
Carnival takes place in the many villages at the heart of the picturesque Black Forest region during mid-February every year. These include Badan, Wildabad, Calw and Villingen, all of which will welcome you as part of their carnival celebrations. The mountain backdrop provides the perfect scene for the parades that take place. This carnival is different to the others held in Germany as it’s more sombre.
This carnival is known as Fastnacht and the event marks the history of the region and remembers how evil winter spirits brought darkness and cold. The carnival goers believe their role is to find these spirits and eliminate them so the people of the Black Forest can welcome spring.
Many people dress up as witches, demons, spirits and animals and attempt to scare away the spirits by making plenty of noise. Whilst this serious side of the carnival upholds the traditions of the region there are also lots of parades and fireworks and fun is had by everyone.
The carnival of cultures
For a different kind of carnival in Germany take a visit to Berlin for the Carnival of Cultures. This spectacle brings together people from all races and celebrates different cultures living together in harmony. The parades, dance and music fill the streets, along with street artists and acrobats.
Everyone dresses up in vivid-coloured costumes and the celebrations are as impressive as those of Mardi Gras. The carnival started in 1996 as a reaction to the xenophobic race riots that had taken place. This was the chance for different cultures living in Germany to show the world they all live together peacefully. Today the carnival attracts over 2 million visitors and is a key event in the city’s calendar.
The Carnival of Cultures takes place every May and includes many concerts, artistic performances and food and drink stalls. This is a family event and everyone is welcome. The four days of partying culminate in a gigantic street parade that includes over 5,000 performers from countries around the world. You don´t have to be a professional to take part – just know how to enjoy yourself.
You’ll experience salsa dancing, samba, Irish folk singers, Chinese dragons, Indian Bollywood, and African beats – all in one place. This is probably Berlin’s biggest street party and an event not to be missed whether you live in or are visiting Germany.
Make the most of your rental car when you’re in Germany for carnival, and explore the surrounding areas as well as the cities. There’s so much to see and do in this stunning country and getting around by car is easy thanks to the modern road networks. Why not fly to the nearest airport and rent a vehicle from Europcar and discover Germany in your own time?
