Bonn Karneval (Carnival)

Karneval in Bonn is a vibrant, traditional Rhineland carnival season celebrated from 11 November to Ash Wednesday, embodying the “fifth season” with colorful costumes, festive gatherings, and over 100 carnival sessions attracting more than a million participants. Street carnival begins on Weiberfastnacht with town hall storms and parades. The highlight is the Rosenmontag parade, where decorated floats, marching groups, and music wind through the city as crowds shout “Bonn Alaaf!” and collect sweets and flowers (“Kamelle” and “Strüssje”), celebrating community spirit, satire, and joyous revelry across Bonn.