Carnival season has begun (or is approaching) in many major European cities. The city of Cologne is no exception and is getting ready to vibrate to the rhythm of its famous “fifth season” from the second week of February. The Cologne Carnival, an unmissable event, brings together more than a million revelers from all over the world to celebrate a centuries-old tradition.
The official kick-off takes place in the Old Market Square, launching days of non-stop festivities. From Brussels, you can reach this spectacular event in two hours by train thanks to direct rail connections. So put on your best (and most eye-catching) costume and head out to enjoy the electric atmosphere!
Cologne Carnival: economic and media impact at the top of Europe
Along with the Venice Carnival, the Cologne Carnival is now the most important event of its kind on the European continent. Its economic impact is enormous, generating hundreds of millions of euros in revenue for the region each year. Hotels are fully booked months in advance, while local businesses enjoy their most prosperous period.
What’s more, media coverage is comparable to that of the biggest international sporting events. Dozens of television channels provide continuous live coverage so that viewers don’t miss a moment of the spectacular parades. As a result, this visibility reinforces its status as the gold standard in the German-speaking world in particular. Each satirical float is scrutinized by the world’s press for its sharp political messages. It takes an informed audience to understand some of the floats.
A 2026 program combining centuries-old traditions and crazy days
The 2026 calendar follows an unchanging ritual that will officially begin on Thursday, February 12, with “Weiberfastnacht. “ On this day dedicated to women, female residents symbolically take power and cut the ties of men they meet on the street. However , the highlight will remain Rose Monday, February 16, marked by a titanic seven-kilometer parade.
Tons of sweets rain down on a crowd dressed in costumes of boundless creativity. In addition, tradition dictates that the Triumvirate be greeted before the burning of the Nubbel (a straw effigy representing the scapegoat of the carnival) on Shrove Tuesday evening. Finally, Ash Wednesday, February 18, marks the end of this enchanted interlude. A complete change of scenery and a festive getaway await you just a stone’s throw from Brussels!