Bevor es richtig losgeht, solltest du ein paar grundlegende Dinge über den Kölner Karneval wissen. Keine Sorge, du musst kein Kölsch-Experte sein – aber ein bisschen Basiswissen hilft dir, dich nicht direkt als "Immi" ("Immigrant") zu outen. Hier die wichtigsten Infos, damit du vorbereitet in die jecke Zeit startest:

• Carnival is a season
  The session officially begins on 11 November at 11:11 a.m., but things only really get crazy from Weiberfastnacht onwards. From Thursday to Tuesday, it's a state of emergency. The highlight is the Rose Monday parade, but there are also many smaller neighbourhood parades.
  
  
• The whole town is celebrating
  Carnival is not an event that takes place in a marquee or club – it is everywhere. During the peak period, Cologne residents and visitors embrace each other; celebrations take place not only in pubs, but also on streets and squares. The city becomes a living room.
  
  
• Costume is mandatory
  You can't go without a costume. It doesn't have to be expensive, but you should wear something, even if it's just a clown hat or a cardboard nose. Important: Layering helps you cope with changing weather conditions outside. And costumes that could hurt others (with fake weapons or sharp parts) are absolutely taboo.
  
  
• Wear ties?
  We wouldn't recommend it, unless you want to get rid of one anyway. It is an old tradition that women (the ‘Weiber’) cut off men's ties on Weiberfastnacht as a symbolic sign of taking power. So: either leave your favourite tie at home or be prepared to lose it.
  
  
• Enjoy parades
  The Rose Monday parade is a must, but the Schull- un Veedelszöch on Sunday and the Ghost Parade on Saturday are also worth seeing. Bring a large bag or rucksack for sweets and bouquets; you'll catch more than you think!
  
  
• Food and drink
  Kölsch is as much a part of the city as the cathedral. Don't order an Alt (that's Düsseldorf beer) or Pils at the bar. Kölsch is served in slim 0.2 litre glasses. A Halve Hahn (not half a chicken, but a rye roll with medium-aged Gouda and onions) or a Mettbrötchen (minced meat roll) are a good basis for celebrating.
  
  
• Sing along and sway
  Kölsche Karnevalslieder gehören dazu und werden in jeder Kneipe lautstark mitgesungen. Zum Glück gibt es Spotify-Playlists mit allen Klassikern zum Vorlernen. Die absoluten Pflicht-Songs sind: Viva Colonia (Höhner), Drink doch eine met (Bläck Fööss) und Superjeilezick (Brings).
  
  
• Alaaf instead of Helau
  This is really important: in Cologne, the carnival cheer is Alaaf (pronounced ‘A-laaf’). The cheer Helau belongs to Düsseldorf – and thus to Cologne's arch enemies. Anyone who shouts Helau immediately reveals themselves as a stranger. Incidentally, ‘Kölle Alaaf!’ means ‘Cologne alone’ or ‘Cologne above all else’ and is the shortest declaration of love for the city.
  
  
• Cologne vocabulary
  You don't have to speak Kölsch fluently, but you should know a few basic terms. You can read about which ones these are in the next section.
  
  
• Cologne tradition
  From the opening of the session to the triumvirate and the burning of the Nubbel, Cologne Carnival is full of rituals. We explain the most important ones below.

Now it's getting serious: with these insider tips, you'll not only survive the six days, you'll enjoy them too! Here are the most important things for anyone who wants to get through Carnival in a relaxed manner:

• Corner pubs instead of party streets
  The most authentic celebrations can be found in the corner pubs in Nippes or Ehrenfeld, not on Zülpicher Straße. There, people sway and sing along, and the people of Cologne still know the lyrics. On Zülpicher Straße and the Rings, the crowd is younger, louder and often more party-oriented than carnival-oriented.
  
  
• Water in between Kölsch!
  Drink water regularly, because even Kölsch can give you a hangover. When partying for hours on end, it is important to drink water in between. In many pubs, you can order tap water for free at the bar.
  
  
• Protect your jacket
  Pack a plastic bag to keep your jacket dry in crowded, sweaty pubs. With the temperature differences between indoors and outdoors, a soaked jacket is the ultimate fun killer.
  
  
• Know the classics
  Singing along is simply part of the experience! Nobody expects perfection, but you should at least know the choruses of the classics. The absolute must-sing songs: Viva Colonia (Höhner), Drink doch eine met (Brings), Superjeilezick (BAP).
  
  
• Start early
  Many pubs open as early as 8 or 9 in the morning. If you arrive early, you'll still get a seat. Thanks to swaying and singing, queuing becomes an experience!
  
  
• Follow the rules
  Glass bottles are often prohibited at parades; use reusable cups. Many pubs also offer ‘Pfand-Kölsch-Becher’ (deposit-returnable Kölsch cups) that you can take with you.
  
  
• Alaaf instead of Helau
  Once again: the correct cheer is Alaaf.

Not every neighbourhood is the same – some are perfect for partying, others for living tradition. Here is our overview so you know what to expect where:

Party hotspots:

• Old Town & City Centre: The classic street carnival takes place around the cathedral, Heumarkt and Alter Markt. It is loud, crowded and extremely touristy, but that is precisely what makes it so charming. If you want to be right in the thick of things, this is the place to be.
  
  
• Kwartier Latäng (Zülpicher Street): The student district with pubs and clubs. It's always buzzing here, ideal for anyone who loves big events and likes it loud and wild.
  
  
• South City: Traditional neighbourhood with pubs such as the Chlodwig Eck. The atmosphere here is more informal than in the old town, but still authentically Cologne. A good compromise between hustle and bustle and cosiness.
  
  

Authentic carnival:

• Ehrenfeld: Alternative scene with music clubs and corner pubs. This is where Cologne locals who value lyrics that are easy to follow come to party. The atmosphere is more relaxed, but no less crazy. Perfect for anyone who likes things a little hipster and less mainstream.
  
  
• Nippes: A family neighbourhood with quaint pubs and a cosy atmosphere. Here, people sway, sing and laugh without the large crowds. The Ghost Train 2026 also passes through Nippes.
  
  
• Sülz & Belgian Quarter: A mix of pubs, corner pubs and even more pubs; ideal for ‘quieter’ celebrations (although ‘quiet’ is relative – it's carnival, so it's going to be loud everywhere). The neighbourhoods have a lot of charm and are less crowded.