Carnival in the Rheinland region of Germany is one of the craziest experiences I have ever had. Â Five days of parades and parties starting around noon and lasting into the late hours of the night. This was not my first experience with Carnival, two years ago when I was living in Germany as a student I had my first taste of the parades. But this time I was determined to have the full Carnival experience.
A float from the Rose Monday parade.
Thursday I was out of town, so I missed the first day of Carnival, but the other days were eventful enough to make up for that. With my costume on, I set out with friends to watch the parades and to fill bags with candy tossed into the waiting crowds from the parade floats. Afterwards there was dancing and music that is typical of this region in Germany, and specially made for Carnival. Most of the music played is local, and the songs are often about the city Cologne.
The float for the Carnival Prince and Princess on Rose Monday.
Naturally there was plenty of beer, especially the locally brewed Kolsch. But since I rarely drink at parties, I did not partake in this traditional aspect of the celebrations. I know, it’s boring, right? But I would rather have my wits about me. 😉
By the time I finally came home from the last parade on Monday my feet were aching, my apartment was full of candy and flowers from the parades, and I had Carnivals songs stuck in my head like an album on repeat.
My favorite float from a smaller parade, it would shoot flames and smoke from the top.
Rose Monday parade in Bonn, Germany.
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