People in Cologne - live and let live

  • Live and let live – a traditional Cologne maxim. © Axel Schulten
    Live and let live – a traditional Cologne maxim. © Axel Schulten

Cologne’s StattGarde Colonia Ahoj e.V. carnival society boasts some 220 active members and some 300 supporting members. From sailor-themed fancy dress parties to dance corps, the society runs the gamut when it comes to celebrating carnival. The association has its origins in Cologne’s Pink Carnival scene and is a full member of the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee. It is also an honorary member of the Willi Ostermann Carnival Society and a long time participant in the Rose Monday Parade. Putting a new twist on tradition, the StattGarde also ...

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Cologne’s StattGarde Colonia Ahoj e.V. carnival society boasts some 220 active members and some 300 supporting members. From sailor-themed fancy dress parties to dance corps, the society runs the gamut when it comes to celebrating carnival. The association has its origins in Cologne’s Pink Carnival scene and is a full member of the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee. It is also an honorary member of the Willi Ostermann Carnival Society and a long time participant in the Rose Monday Parade. Putting a new twist on tradition, the StattGarde also puts on rousing stage shows – something that deserves a big “buetzje” (Kiss in Cologne’s Kölsch dialect)!

First steps in Cologne.

Drinking a Kölsch beer in an authentic Brauhaus is a great way to get to know Cologne and its inhabitants. Served in more than 3,000 breweries, restaurants and clubs, a glass of Kölsch beer often provides a good first lesson in understanding Cologne. Colognians and newcomers, affectionately known as “Immis”, like to explain why every fool (or “Jeck” as they say) in Cologne is different, but also why all Colognians are the same, why locals place beer mats on top of empty Kölsch glasses and why a “Halve Hahn” is not half a chicken but a cheese roll ... Get to know the culinary diversity of the city on visit.koeln. Get inspired by Culinary Cologne – the city focuses its blogging-activities on delicacies from hip food markets to traditional dishes.

The season for a singsong.

During carnival people dance in the streets, in the bars and clubs and, of course, at carnival shows. Singsongs are big too, with the crowd singing along to all the latest carnival hits and traditional songs. To sing along to more than just the chorus, visit one of the numerous “let us sing together” events or look
online for all the lyrics to your favourites. Regardless of whether your favourite song is about the “superjeilen zick” (having a really great time), or our “Veedel” (our neighbourhood), carnival songs provide excellent inspiration when it comes to deciding what to dress as – clown, cowboy or unicorn, the options are endless!

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Meeting Point Cologne

Cologne and its surrounding areas boast a long trading and industrial tradition. All in all, it’s home to a future-proof mix of industries. Find out more in our section ‚Meeting Point Cologne’. The "Meeting Point Cologne" is comfortably readable as an e-paper. We would also be pleased to send you the magazine as a print brochure. Also don't miss to read through our interviews with inspiring characters from the science and business sectors in Cologne.

FAQs Cologne lifestyle - Frequently asked questions

How can you describe the Cologne attitude to life?

Cologne is a feeling — this slogan of the city stands for everything that characterizes Cologne. Cologne leaves an impression — not through imposing buildings or luxury and glamour but through the city’s cheerful and positive attitude to life! It’s the people, the many faces and anecdotes and the captivating character of the city that make clear to you Cologne’s attitude to life.

How many “veedel” does Cologne have?

Veedel is the word for neighbourhood or quarter in the Cologne dialect. Cologne has a total of nine city districts. These, in turn, are divided into 86 veedel. Each veedel has its own distinctive charm. You should visit some of them as part of a supporting programme for your event, for example.

How many restaurants does Cologne have?

Cologne is a mecca for gourmets. The city has a total of 3,000 restaurants — there is something for every taste, ranging from traditional breweries to top restaurants boasting Michelin stars.

How many municipal museums are there in Cologne?

No other German city finances as many museums out of its own funds as Cologne. The nine municipal museums, including the Kölnisches Stadtmuseum (Cologne City Museum), the Museum of Applied Arts, the Museum Ludwig and the exhibition in the Römisch-Germanisches Museum (Romano-Germanic Museum), attract large numbers of visitors every year.

How many churches are there in Cologne?

According to the City of Cologne’s Statistical Yearbook 2019, the city is home to 164 Catholic churches, including 25 Romanesque ones. There are also 76 Protestant churches.