Germany is famous not only for beer and prestigious cars. It is also famous for a huge number of well-known and home holidays, among which the well-known Cologne festival. How are hard-working and decent Germans conducting mass events? Judging by the carnival, which takes place annually in Cologne, they do it with full dedication.
Carnival in Cologne
The famous holiday is held for a long time on the eve of Great Lent. Thus, the inhabitants of Germany continue the pagan custom of seeing off winter. About two hundred years ago, the carnival ceased to be a spontaneous event. For example, in 1823, the first “Carnival Committee" was founded, the duties of which included organizing public festivals.
The Cologne festival eventually replenished with many original traditions. These are, in particular, receptions, balls and a street carnival, at the end of which they hold a grand parade on Pink Monday. The modern carnival committee is developing a creative concept for the festival, writing scripts. In addition, he is responsible for coordinating the activities of more than a hundred festive associations, orchestras, dance groups and so on.
Carnival season action plan
The Cologne festival traditionally opens on November 11th. During the Christmas festivities, his fervor ceases for a while, but after the New Year the colorful holiday continues with renewed vigor. The date of "Pink Monday", according to Christian tradition, is reckoned from the beginning of Great Lent. The event is held on the last Monday until Ash Wednesday. But there are still a few crazy days in front of him, when all the inhabitants and guests of the country live according to the principle "the more reckless, the more interesting."
The Cologne festival begins on Women's Thursday. According to the old German tradition, absolutely everything is allowed to women on this day; even bold jokes about the stronger sex are forgiven for them. For example, they cut off ties in men right on the street.
But the most significant event of this day is the official opening ceremony of the street carnival, which is held in the very center of old Cologne. On Friday and Saturday, large-scale events are not held, but never without fun performances, music and alcohol. On Sunday (Children's Day), costumed processions are held with the participation of students, they begin in the center of Cologne.
Pink Monday
The Cologne Carnival has a special meaning for the Germans. During this period, they cease to be important and prim. They even stop saving their savings and spend it with pleasure in restaurants and pubs. The whole country temporarily forgets about work, career and even about the rules of conduct.
The procession on "Pink Monday" is held under the call "Long live Cologne!". In response to these words, generous buffoons sprinkle sweets on the crowd of people celebrating. In the evening, the procession smoothly turns into a large-scale party. The carnival ends with the traditional burning of the doll. Mostly young people come to look at this rite.
