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 ...
[read more]
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!
[show less]