It’s that time again — the moment many Germans have been waiting for all year. On November 11, at exactly 11:11 a.m., the carnival season officially begins, bringing color, chaos, and joy to countless cities. Tens of thousands gathered on Tuesday to mark the traditional start, especially in the Rhine region, where carnival is more than a celebration — it’s a way of life.
Tens of thousands fill Cologne’s streets
Nowhere does it start with more energy than in Cologne, one of Germany’s carnival capitals. By late morning, crowds filled the squares and pubs around Zülpicher Straße, the city’s famous student district. The police sealed off the area to prevent overcrowding, allowing only controlled entry.
More than 1,000 police officers were deployed, with visible patrols and undercover teams mingling among the revelers. Their mission: to maintain order, ensure safety, and enforce Germany’s ban on knives and weapon replicas. Violations could result in fines or criminal charges.
Nearby, the synagogue — a location repeatedly targeted in past years — was placed under special protection once again.
“We will be visible — and invisible,” police say
To prevent violence during parades or street parties, law enforcement is taking no chances this year. According to Jochen Kopelke, head of the German Police Union, a mix of uniformed and plainclothes officers will be ready to step in at any moment.
The goal, he said, is clear: “Quick reaction, strong presence, and safe celebrations for everyone.”
Carnival joy also in Düsseldorf and Mainz
The festivities were not limited to Cologne. In Düsseldorf, the day began with the traditional awakening of “Hoppeditz”, a carnival jester who “comes to life” at 11:11 a.m. with a satirical speech mocking politicians.
In Mainz, around 9,000 visitors attended the central Fasching ceremony, where the so-called “Carnival Constitution” was humorously proclaimed — a nod to the city’s long-standing carnival traditions.
Across Franconia, local “fools” symbolically stormed town halls, taking the city keys from mayors in playful mock coups. New prince and princess couples were also presented in several towns, marking the official start of the session.
Baden-Württemberg: no big celebrations — yet
Further south, in Baden-Württemberg, the mood was far quieter. The region’s traditional Swabian-Alemannic “Fasnet” does not begin in November at all — it starts on January 6, the Epiphany.
A spokesperson for the local carnival guilds explained: “For us, November 11 is a day of preparation, not of celebration. We work behind the scenes — but it’s not meant for a big party.”
Their main festivities will come later — in February 2026, when Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival), Rose Monday, and Ash Wednesday mark the peak of the season.
A long road to the big finale
Until then, carnival fans across Germany will keep dancing, singing, and preparing costumes. From Cologne’s crowded pubs to Swabia’s quiet workshops, the country is once again split between loud celebration and quiet anticipation — united by the spirit of the fifth season.
