Fasching in Germany: Locations & Costume Tips
Table of contents
Table of contents
Helau, Alaaf and happy carnival! May your confetti be colorful and cheerful!
You have no idea what we’re actually talking about? Then welcome to the shrill carnival season, which starts in November but reaches its peak in February.
All over Germany around Rose Monday (12.02.24) you can see floats throwing sweets.
But there are other epic events during this time.
Find out more about customs like Fastnacht and read our tips for a really cool costume.
Fasching vs. Carnival
Whether it’s called Fasching, Fastnacht or Karneval depends in Germany on the region. In Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Bavaria and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Fasching is celebrated; i. a. in northern Germany and the Rhineland, the festive season is called Karneval; in Hesse, Saarland and many other regions, Fastnacht. What is meant, however, is the same thing: the foolish season that begins on 11.11. at 11:11 a.m. and culminates with parades and festive meetings in February of the following year.
Note: For the sake of readability, we mainly use the term Fasching in this article, friends of carnival may forgive us.
Important Fasching terms
Are you ready to go to your first Fasching in Germany and celebrate with other people? Then you should know the following terms and their meanings:
Weiberfastnacht: Weiberfastnacht refers to the transition from the session Fasching to the street Fasching. So it is celebrated in costume in the streets, bars and pubs of the cities. In the past, the night was dedicated to women, but today this custom has loosened and all genders celebrate Weiberfastnacht. Depending on the region, the celebrating women are also called Möhnen. Caution, however, still to the well-dressed gentlemen: on Weiberfastnacht, men’s ties are cut off if they wear one.
Fastnacht: Fastnacht is not to be confused with the women’s carnival. The term Fastnacht is instead a regionally different term for Fasching or carnival. Alternatively, Fastnacht is also referred to and pronounced as “Fasnacht” or “Fassenacht”.
Rosenmontag: Especially in Rheinhessen and the Rhineland, Rosenmontag is a highlight that is celebrated with the Rosenmontag parade. A special feature is that Rosenmontag in the Fasching strongholds is a de facto holiday, but not a public holiday. So it is actually a normal weekday, but one on which people celebrate exuberantly.
Aschermittwoch: Aschermittwoch heralds the end of Fasching and the beginning of Lent, which lasts until Easter. In the Christian religious context, Aschermittwoch is meant to remind us of those days Jesus spent praying and fasting in the desert.
Lent: Aschermittwoch heralds the beginning of Lent. Lent lasts until Good Friday and also has a religious origin. In the past, people abstained from eating during Lent, but nowadays they fast in different ways, for example by not smoking, not drinking alcohol or abstaining from social media during Lent. So today, many people choose for themselves which vice they want to give up during Lent.
Funken-/Tanzmariechen: The term goes back to the so-called sutlers. These were women who had already accompanied soldiers in the Middle Ages and provided them with various services and goods. Among other things, the sutlers had also danced and were called in this context “Funken-” or “Tanzmariechen”. Today Tanzmariechen are the representatives of the local Fasching clubs and have to apply for this position.
Jeck/Narr: Jeck is another word for fool in the Rhineland. Both mean any person who actively participates in Carnival or Fasching, but is not organized in a corresponding club.
Narrenruf: greeting call of the Jecken among themselves, which differ regionally. From “Kölle Alaaf” (Cologne) to “Helau” (Düsseldorf, Koblenz, Mainz), “Ahoi” (Baden area) and even “Wau Wau” (in the Bayreuth area, among others), there are also battle cries such as “Alleh hopp” in Saarland and “Schelle, Schelle, Schell au!” in Wangen in Allgäu.
Session: Another term for the Fasching, carnical or Fastnacht season.
Umzug: Primarily floats, masquerade and dance groups that parade through the streets in costume, often making political-satirical jokes. Sweets, flowers, etc. are thrown into the crowd from so-called parade floats.
Carnival events near you
We introduce you to the top carnival events near your Staytoo apartment!
Berlin
Berlin can’t do carnival? Not at all! The capital has a lot going for it, even though one of the biggest events only takes place outside the carnival season. Good vibes only guaranteed.
Karnevalsparty 2024
The Karnivalsparty 2024 is the place to be – or rather anyone with a party spirit. In the “epicenter of carnival madness”, as it says on the website, you can shake a leg to foolish DJ music. What we particularly like: not only is fun on the dance floor guaranteed, the entrance fee also includes a delicious buffet.
Where?
Alt-Wittenau 66
13437 Berlin
When?
February 10, 2024 | 4:11 p.m.
Admission?
39,11 € per person
Our rating: 4 out of 5 party hats
Karneval der Kulturen
The Carnival of Cultures is known as a spectacle far beyond the city’s borders. Over several days, you can admire entire parade groups in dazzling colors and celebrate diversity with people from all over the world. Last year, over 1 million people took part in the spectacle and the atmosphere here is simply unique.
We love this colorful mix of music and dance, festival and parade, plus the workshops and performances and of course the many different food stalls from all over the world with their delicious highlights.
Where?
Kreuzberg & Neukölln (you can find the exact route a few weeks before the carnival starts on the organizer’s website)
When?
May 17 to 20, 2024
Admission?
Free of charge
Our rating: 5 out of 5 party hats
Leipzig
The boomtown in eastern Germany has traditional carnival clubs – so the people of Leipzig know how to party. Immerse yourself in the shrill world of carnival in Leipzsch! You’ll have an unforgettable time with our event tips.
Leipzigs MEGA Faschingsparty 2024
Are you ready for a gigantic carnival party on 3 floors with the best hits from the 90s, 200s and 2010s? Let the fat party tracks that will make the walls in the Täubchenthal shake around your ears.
Balloons, glitter, confetti – we think it’s great that the organizer really pulls off the carnival concept in his Happy Place. Incidentally, this also applies to dressing up, as costumes are compulsory! If you turn up without a costume, admission will be more expensive. If that’s not motivation to make a real effort with your costume this year.
When?
February 10, 2024 | Admission: 10 p.m.
Where?
Täubchenthal
Wachsmuthstraße 1
04229 Leipzig
Admission?
From 15,65 Euro in advance (without costume additionally more expensive)
Our rating: 5 out of 5 party hats
Great Leipzig Rose Sunday Parade
Lioness Leila, the city of Leipzig’s carnival mascot, will once again lead the parade this year. Leipzig carnival clubs as well as friendly clubs and companies from the region organize the spectacle, which you should not miss.
Why? Because the Rose Sunday parade is unique in the east and is in no way inferior to the carnival spectacles in other federal states! We recommend the parade to anyone who misses carnival in eastern Germany and wants to feel at home.
When?
February 11, 2024 | 2 p.m.
Where?
Starting from Brühl through Leipzig’s city center
Admission?
Free of charge
Our rating: 4 out of 5 party hats
Kaiserslautern
In Kaiserslautern, carnival has a long tradition: every year, parades and parade sessions invite those in the mood to celebrate. Away from the usual carnival events, we have picked out two delicacies for those who are lit.
KOMPLETT KRANK
One thing is clear: this event will certainly not be boring! The organizer explicitly calls for the craziest party people in town. Are you one of them? Then let’s go!
Free pizza will be handed out at 00:00 and free beer will be available at all bars from 01:00. Do we really need to give you any more reasons to show up and have fun?
We think so much craziness is great, and especially the idea of being added to the guest list via DM on Instagram beforehand. Neon bracelets on your wrist reveal what you’re in the mood for at the party – just dance or flirt? You decide.
When?
February 09, 2024 | Admission: 10 p.m.
Where?
Night shift Kaiserslautern
Zollamtstraße 28
67663 Kaiserslautern
Admission?
From 11.99 euros (EARLY BIRD TICKET)
Our rating: 5 out of 5 party hats
Dansberger Fasching
After a three-year break, the time has finally come again: the Dansberg Carnival has opened its doors. There will also be a happy hour again, with music from Kaiserslautern DJ IzzoBeatz blasting from the speakers.
There will also be a special treat that has not yet been revealed. Let us surprise you! We look forward to a relaxed atmosphere and reasonable prices at the Dansberger Fasching.
When?
February 10, 2024 | Admission: 7:00 p.m.
Where?
At the handball court 1
67661 Kaiserslautern
Admission?
10 Euro (VVK)
12 Euro (box office)
Our rating: 4 out of 5 party hats
Nuremberg
Already for sailor’s yarn in Nuremberg? Sounds weird, but that’s exactly how carnival should be, right? With our party tips, you can throw yourself right into the fun.
Seemann’s Fasching
There will be plenty of partying on board the Mississippi Queen. The carnival party takes place on three decks, with a rich music program ranging from Malle hits to Neue Deutsche Welle and Schlager. You can listen to oldies in the Kapitän’s Bar. Experiencing the whole thing on an American-style steamer is an incomparable experience. Ahoy!
When?
February 12, 2024 | 9:00 p.m.
Where?
Mississippi Queen
Donaustraße 40
90451 Nuremberg
Admission?
11,21 Euro
Our rating: 5 out of 5 party hats
Illusion – Carnival party
Carnival completely informal, with or without a costume, even jogging bottoms are expressly welcome: This is how it’s done at the Illusion, combined with delicious special drinks and accompanied by disco/pop music.
What we appreciate: The organizers raise awareness when choosing costumes by asking that no boundaries be crossed or stereotypes reproduced. This way, carnival can take place safely.
When?
February 12, 2024 | 9:00 p.m.
Where?
Z-Bau
Frankenstrasse 200
90461 Nuremberg
Admission?
6-8 Euro (box office)
Our rating: 4 out of 5 party hats
Bonn
The “fifth season” plays an important role in Bonn, as you will see from the Bonn carnival revellers and their colorful costumes. Join them and visit these top events at carnival time.
BonnLive Carnival Concerts
Several carnival concerts take place on Münsterplatz during the high days of carnival. The Live Open Air brings together numerous well-known musicians, including the Cologne band Cat Ballou, the famous Rhineland carnival group Funky Marys, Mo-Torres and many more.
Delicious food and drinks will also be provided. If you can hardly wait for the festival season and want to chillax at the same time, then in our experience the BonnLive carnival concerts are just right for you!
When?
Carnival Friday | February 09, 2024 | Admission: 5:00 pm
Carnival Saturday in blue-white-red | February 10, 2024 | Admission: 5:00 pm
Rose Monday | After-Zoch-Party | February 12, 2024 | Admission: 4:00 pm
Where?
Münsterplatz
Admission?
From 27,25 Euro
Our rating: 5 out of 5 party hats
FUN KÖLSCH KARNEVAL | Carnival Saturday at the Brückenforum Bonn
Are you ready for Ikke Hüftgold? He will be performing at the FUN KÖLSCH KARNEVAL, as will many other artists. DJ Chris will also be playing the biggest carnival hits to give you an unforgettable carnival time. In our opinion, the fact that this good mood event takes place on a Saturday is an additional goody, and you can also flex your costume in public.
When?
February 10, 2024 | 9:00 p.m.
Where?
Brückenforum Bonn
Friedrich-Breuer-Straße 17
53225 Bonn
Admission?
From 18 Euro (VVK)
Our rating: 4 out of 5 party hats
Popular carnival strongholds
In Germany, there are popular carnival strongholds where you can see great parades and join in the celebrations. At the carnival, the Rhineland in particular stands out as a carnival stronghold with Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf.
Cologne
In Cologne, the carnival parades begin on Shrove Monday at 6 p.m. at the Alter Markt. From there, the huge carnival parade with kilometers of floats continues through the city center. This year the carnival parade is something very special: after 200 years it will take place with a new route and in a new form. Alaaf!
Mainz
Mainz is world-famous for its Rotenmontagsumzug and Youth Mask Parade on carnival. Carnival event highlights include the Meenzer Fassenacht (Feb. 16), the Büttendance Open-Air (Feb. 10 / 6:11 p.m.), the Altweiber Party (Feb. 16 / 7:11 p.m.) and the Prinzengardeball (Feb. 18 / 8:11 p.m.) as well as DER BALL – Die Nacht der Narren (Feb. 18 / 7:33 p.m.).
Duesseldorf
In Duesseldorf the Weiberfastnacht and the Karnevalssonntag belong to the carnival high points. Traditionally on carnival, the so-called Möhnen – an older word for women – storm Düsseldorf City Hall in the Altweiberfastnacht at 11:11 a.m. sharp and imprison the mayor. What sounds dramatic is a long-held, harmless carnival custom accompanied by lots of fun and colorful costumes.
Munich
Bavaria’s capital city offers lively festivities for Fasching fans. The Munich Dance Night (11.02.), the Children’s Fasching (12.02.), the Ball of the Stars (17.02.) and the Jamboree Ball (19.02.) are known far beyond the state borders.
Other carnival strongholds
Other carnival strongholds in the country can be found in Aachen, Bremen and Marne. Check the city websites for exact parade routes and start dates for carnival!
Fasching also takes place in Würzburg, and the term is also used in Saxony, as well as in parts of Austria. You can find the dates for Fasching events on the websites of your region.
Tips for your Fasching costume
Of course, the fifth season is most fun in the right costume. We have collected a few tips for the ideal Fasching costume:
- Feel comfortable in your costume. This is probably the most important tip when it comes to choosing a costume. Choose your costume according to whether you feel comfortable in it, only then you will have fun at Fasching or carnival. Slip into several costumes to find the right one for you.
- It can be colorful and flashy! Fasching is all about standing out. Not an easy task with so many people around you who are also wearing costumes. Therefore, choose bold colors, these days are made for extroverts!
- Humorous and funny, but be careful: Fasching or carnival has always been an opportunity to make fun of politics and social grievances. Beware of overly cynical or culturally offensive depictions, however, or unwanted discussions could await you instead of fun.
- Dress warmly enough: February is a cold, often wet month in Germany. So if you want to avoid catching a cold, don’t venture too freely among the revelers.
- Topicality wins: Of course, the easiest way is to don the old theme party costume in a Spiderman or cowgirl look. However, it is much better to wear a costume that is contemporary, such as the Joker from Batman or Wednesday Addams. You’ll definitely score points with that at the next parade.
- Full body costumes are practical: Full body costumes are super easy to put on, are a complete outfit without much preparation, fun, and depending on the fabric, keep you nice and warm. Highly recommended for beginners!
- Embellish purchased costumes yourself: Use different patterns and accessories to spice up your costume. Rhinestones, fairy lights, hats or epaulettes: The possibilities for this are almost endless.
- Group costumes make more of an impression: You’re going to Fasching/carnival with friends? How about wearing costumes together? The quasi-uniforms will make you stand out even more in the crowd.
More articles in our blog
We wish you a fantastic, beautiful and unforgettable carnival season in Germany! Before you get dressed up, check out our other exciting articles on the blog:
Ahoy, Alaaf and Helau!
Your Staytoo team
