Carnival is a festive season that is celebrated in many parts of the world, but it is especially popular in Germany. The German Carnival season typically starts on November 11 at 11:11 am and ends on Ash Wednesday. Although Cologne is the most famous city for celebrating Carnival, there are many other great German towns that offer amazing celebrations. Here are some of the best German towns to celebrate Carnival (besides Cologne)!
1. Dusseldorf- The Street Carnival
The Dusseldorf Street Carnival is a world-famous event that draws visitors from all over the globe. Every year, revelers come to the city to enjoy the parades, floats, and parties that make up the carnival. The carnival takes place over a period of five days, and it culminates in a grand finale known as the Rose Monday Parade.
During the parade, participants wear brightly colored costumes and masks, and they often sing and dance through the streets. The carnival is a truly festive occasion, and it is one of the best times to visit Dusseldorf. If you are looking for a fun-filled vacation, be sure to add the Dusseldorf Street Carnival to your travel plans.
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2. Bonn- The Bonner Carnival
The Bonner Carnival is one of the biggest and most well-known carnivals in Germany. It is held every year in the city of Bonn and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world. The carnival is characterized by its colorful costumes, lively music, and intricate floats.
One of the most popular events at the carnival is the Parade of Lights, which features dazzling displays of float lights and fireworks. Other highlights include masked balls, street parties, and fairgrounds. For many people, the Bonner Carnival is the highlight of the year, and it is a great opportunity to experience German culture at its best.
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3. Mainz- The Wine Carnival
The Mainz wine carnival is a unique festival that celebrates the city’s rich viticultural history. Held every year in the early spring, the carnival features a parade of elaborately decorated floats, all of which are made from wine barrels. The barrels are filled with local wine, and as the parade winds its way through the streets, revelers drink from them and dance to traditional music.
The Mainz wine carnival is a lively and festive event that is not to be missed. If you are lucky enough to be in the city during the carnival, be sure to join in the fun and enjoy some of the finest wines in Germany.
4. Aachen- The Aachen Carnival
Every year, the city of Aachen comes alive with the sound of music, laughter, and cheers. For one week in February, the streets are filled with brightly dressed revelers celebrating the Aachen Carnival. Also known as the fifth season, the carnival is a time to let go of your worries and enjoy life.
The festivities begin on Thursday morning with a procession of floats and costumed figures making their way through the city. This is followed by four days of non-stop partying, culminating in a grand parade on Shrove Tuesday. If you’re looking for a fun-filled vacation, be sure to add the Aachen Carnival to your list!
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5. Stuttgart- The Stuttgart Winter Festival
The Stuttgart winter festival is a festive celebration that takes place in the city of Stuttgart, Germany. The festival features a number of different events and attractions, including a traditional Christmas market, an outdoor ice skating rink, and a variety of live entertainment.
Visitors to the festival can also enjoy traditional German foods and beverages, making it the perfect place to experience the culture of Stuttgart. The Stuttgart winter festival is an annual event that is not to be missed.
6. Dresden- The Dresdner Striezelmarkt
The Dresdner Striezelmarkt is one of the oldest and most popular Christmas markets in Germany. Held every year in Dresden, the market attracts visitors from all over the world. The market is famed for its Stollen, a traditional German fruitcake, as well as its hand-painted nutcrackers and wooden toys.
Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of delicacies, from roast chestnuts to mulled wine. With its festive atmosphere and wide range of attractions, the Dresdner Striezelmarkt is the perfect place to get into the Christmas spirit.
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7. Hanover- The Maschsee Lake Carnival
The Maschsee Lake Carnival is one of the biggest and most popular events in Hanover. Every year, hundreds of thousands of people come to the carnival to enjoy the rides, see the shows, and eat delicious food. The carnival runs for two weeks, from late August to early September, and features a wide variety of attractions.
There are rides for all ages, including a Ferris wheel, carousel, and bumper cars. There are also numerous game booths, where you can win prizes. In addition, there are several stages where you can watch live music and entertainment. The carnival is a great place to have fun with family and friends, and it is one of the highlights of Hanover’s calendar.
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8. Frankfurt- The MyFest
MyFest is a yearly event that takes place in Frankfurt, Germany. It celebrates the city’s unique cultural diversity, and it is truly a sight to behold. Frankfurt is home to people from all over the world, and MyFest brings them all together in one place.
The festival grounds are filled with music, dance, and food from every corner of the globe. There is also a huge marketplace where you can buy everything from traditional clothing to handmade arts and crafts. MyFest is an amazing event that celebrates the best of what Frankfurt has to offer. If you ever have the chance to visit, make sure to check it out!
9. Munich- The Fasching
The Fasching is one of the biggest events in Munich and takes place every year in February. It is a time when people dress up in costumes and celebrate with parades, music, and dancing. The Fasching starts on the 11th day of the month and lasts for three days.
On the first day, people wear masks and costumes and go to parties. The second day is known as Rose Monday when people wear pink or rose-colored clothes. On the third day, people take part in a parade through the city. The Fasching is a wonderful time to visit Munich and experience the city’s vibrant culture.
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10. Berlin- The Berliner Karneval der Kulturen
The Berliner Karneval der Kulturen is an annual event that celebrates the diversity of cultures in the city of Berlin. The carnival features a parade of floats, costumes, and music from all over the world, and is attended by hundreds of thousands of people every year.
The carnival atmosphere is infectious, and the event is a great way to experience the many different cultures that make up the city. If you’re looking for a fun and festive way to explore Berlin, be sure to check out the Berliner Karneval der Kulturen!
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In Conclusion
Carnival season is a great time to let loose and has some fun. And what better way to do that than by attending one of these festive celebrations in Germany? From the north to the south and everywhere in between, these towns know how to put on a good show. So whether you’re looking for a traditional carnival experience or something a little different, be sure to check out one of these celebrations.
