When: February 8 – 14, 2018 In 1823, the government approved a so-called “carnival committee. Since then, every year at the beginning of February, a week before the Great Catholic Lent, a carnival begins in Cologne. The committee determines the location of each event, the program and other organizational aspects of the festival. Locals and tourists gather in huge groups over a mug of beer, laughing loudly and singing German songs.
“Babi Thursday” is the official start of the festivities. On Thursday at exactly 11:11 a.m. the carnival begins. Women wear brightly colored costumes and prey on members of the stronger sex, tear off their ties and molest men who pass by. On this day, the beautiful ladies are allowed absolutely all pranks. If a girl who has torn a man’s tie he likes, he invites her to drink, and the girl can not refuse, such behavior will be considered improper. During the carnival in the city are held exquisite balls, dances, theatrical shows and other entertainment. During the carnival period, Cologne is crowded with tourists, loud music plays from everywhere – the city does not fall asleep.
“Pink Monday is one of the biggest events during the carnival. Thousands of spectators watch the main performance live or on screens: “The Prince, the Peasant and the Maiden.” Traditionally, all the characters are played by men. In addition, huge platforms with carnival participants move around the city, throwing sweets and flowers into the crowd.
“Violet Tuesday” is a day of atonement for sins. On Tuesday, people gather in the square and burn an effigy, which symbolizes the cleansing of sins accumulated during the year. The carnival comes to an end on Ash Wednesday, when people draw a cross on each other’s foreheads and then go to the pubs, where fish dishes are served on that day.
