Karneval

Saturday, the 11th of November, was a very special day here in the Kölnerraum. I woke up a little bit past 8 in the morning on a weekend to make sure I was in the city for the countdown at 11:11 for the official start of Carnival. The tradition started when the Germans regained control of the Rheinland, more specifically Cologne, from the French. Since then the Kölner celebrate with a massive party in the streets. Although I've been to Cologne plenty of times and know the city well, I've yet to see the place so lively and active. I took the train all the way to Deutz and walked across the bridge over the Rhein, because the line going across was closed for safety reasons. When the countdown started for 11:11 I ran to the Altermarkt square just to catch the confetti cannons go off and mass of people cheer. A multitude of bands played many of the 70 or so Carnival songs throughout the day, so music was never on a short. What I enjoyed more than the concerts was the smaller brass and percussion bands wandering the streets and stopping in different areas to play. They would circle up and all play together while the unending crowds gathered around to sing along. I'm really glad I got to see, experience, and take part in the largest festivity in this part of the Rhineland.