About Cologne Carnival (Rosenmontag)
Cologne Carnival — Kölner Karneval, locally Fastelovend — is one of the largest street festivals in Europe and the high point of Germany's "fifth season". While the season officially opens at 11:11 on November 11, the wild street carnival runs through the days before Lent, and its climax is Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), when around a million people line the streets for the Rosenmontagszug parade of floats, marching bands and costumed revellers tossing "Kamelle" sweets to the crowds. This live countdown shows how long until Rose Monday in your timezone.
The festivities begin in earnest on Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival), the Thursday before Rose Monday, when, by tradition, women cut off men's ties and the city hands over to the carnival spirit. Crowds in elaborate costumes pack the squares and pubs shouting the Cologne greeting "Alaaf!", and the celebration runs through Rosenmontag and Shrove Tuesday before ending with Ash Wednesday. The Cologne carnival in its modern, organised form dates back to a reform in 1823.
Because carnival is tied to the date of Easter, Rosenmontag falls on the Monday 48 days before Easter Sunday — usually in February or early March. This countdown calculates the next Rose Monday automatically and rolls over each year once Lent begins. Whether you plan to join the parade route in Cologne or celebrate from afar, bookmark the live Cologne Carnival countdown or add it to your own page.
Upcoming dates
| 2027 | Monday, February 8, 2027next |
| 2028 | Monday, February 28, 2028 |
| 2029 | Monday, February 12, 2029 |
| 2030 | Monday, March 4, 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, February 24, 2031 |
FAQ
When is Cologne Carnival?
The street carnival peaks on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), 48 days before Easter — usually February or early March. The countdown above shows the days until the next Rose Monday in your timezone.
Why is Cologne Carnival celebrated?
It is the high point of the pre-Lenten "fifth season", a centuries-old tradition of feasting, costume and satire before the fasting of Lent, and a cornerstone of Cologne's identity.
How is Cologne Carnival celebrated?
With days of costumed street parties, the cry of "Alaaf!", and the huge Rosenmontagszug parade of floats and bands that throw sweets and flowers to over a million spectators.
What is Weiberfastnacht?
Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival) is the Thursday before Rose Monday, when the street carnival begins — traditionally women snip off men's ties as a playful symbol of taking charge.