Cologne Carnival

The German city of Cologne celebrates carnival every year around February.

Carnival season officially begins at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11^th of November, the 11^th month, but things don’t really get going until the Thursday before Lent.

From Thursday until Ash Wednesday, Cologne comes alive for the so-called “crazy days,” with masquerade parades and parties in the streets. The whole city comes alive for the weekend, with the biggest parties taking place on Monday.

Expect floats in the streets, costumes everywhere you look and plenty of partying. It is one of the largest street festivals in Europe, with around 1 million people attending the Monday parade at any time.

You will have to book ahead to get accommodations in the city center, but you can also stay in a nearby city to beat the crowds. Check out nearby Bonn or Dusseldorf, where you might be able to get a better night’s sleep. Catch the train into Cologne for the festivities, or check for Rhine river cruises.

While you are in town, see if the local soccer teams are playing at home. If so, get a ticket for a match and experience two German cultural traditions in one weekend.