The First Day of Köln Carnival: Chaos, Costumes, and Crazy Fun

The Köln Carnival—one of Germany’s most famous celebrations—is something I had been hearing about since last year. The stories, the energy, the madness—it all sounded so surreal that I knew I had to see it for myself this time. So, when the carnival kicked off again this year, I couldn’t resist. A few friends, some colleagues, and I decided to dive headfirst into this whirlwind of costumes, music, and mayhem.

Arriving in Köln: A City Transformed
The moment I stepped out of Köln Hauptbahnhof, it was clear this was no ordinary day. The city was unrecognizable. About 90% of the people around me were in full-blown costume
s—pirates, superheroes, animals, and even a few inexplicable mashups like a cowboy-astronaut. Music blared from every corner. It felt like the entire city had turned into one giant party. How could it possibly feel the same as any other day? Spoiler: it couldn’t.

The Costume Dilemma

Of course, I couldn’t show up without a costume. I’d originally planned to go as a Grim Reaper (yes, I wanted to bring a little death to the party), but in classic last-minute fashion, I ended up grabbing a priest costume instead—complete with a time stone necklace. Why a time stone? Why not? Köln Carnival doesn’t believe in logic, and neither did I that day. Plus, the best part of this carnival is that there’s no costume code. You could literally walk around dressed as a banana carrying a boom box, and no one would bat an eyelid.

Parties Around Every Corner
The heart of Köln Carnival lies not just in its parades but also in the spontaneous street parties that pop up everywhere. And when I say everywhere, I mean everywhere. Parks, streets, alleys, and even random squares turned into makeshift dance floors. Thanks to my colleague Daniel, who is a true Kölner, we knew exactly where to go. From old-school pubs brimming with carnival vibes to open-air parties where strangers danced like lifelong friends, we hit some of the best spots in the city.

Dancing Until Our Feet Hurt
Dancing was non-negotiable. Everywhere we went, the beats of traditional Kölsch songs and carnival anthems pulled us in. Daniel even taught us a few local chants, which we screamed at the top of our lungs. And honestly, by the end of the night, I didn’t even need to know the lyrics—just yelling along with the crowd was enough. Feet sore and energy still high, we joined dance circles, laughed at random costumes, and let the spirit of the carnival take over.

What’s Köln Carnival All About?
For those who don’t know, the Köln Carnival is a celebration of joy, freedom, and absolute absurdity. It dates back centuries and traditionally marks the start of Lent. But let’s be real—it’s more about indulgence, letting loose, and embracing a world where adults can dress as wizards or jellyfish for a week without anyone questioning their sanity. The first official day of the street carnival, known as Weiberfastnacht, kicks things off with parades, parties, and a whole lot of Kölsch beer.

A City That Becomes a Party
What makes this carnival special is how it transforms an entire city into a giant celebration. Locals and visitors alike become part of the chaos. People of all ages participate—from little kids in adorable animal onesies to seniors rocking costumes more creative than I could ever imagine. The sense of community and carefree joy is contagious.

Final Thoughts

Köln Carnival is a must-experience event, whether you’re a party animal or just someone looking to enjoy pure, unfiltered fun. As I headed home, still in my priest costume, I couldn’t help but think about how incredible it was to be part of something so uniquely chaotic and full of life.