Karneval 2025 Kicks Off in NRW with Festive Spirit

The traditional 11.11 celebrations mark the start of the Karneval season, featuring performances by the iconic band Höhner in Cologne and Koblenz.

The 2025 Karneval season officially began on November 11 at 11:11 AM, with celebrations across North Rhine-Westphalia.
Longstanding Cologne band Höhner performed at the Karneval kick-off events in Koblenz and Cologne, delighting fans with their new song 'Au Revoir'.
The Karneval season will culminate on Rosenmontag, March 3, 2025, with major parades in cities like Cologne and Düsseldorf.
Despite the festive spirit, Rosenmontag is not a public holiday in NRW, though it is celebrated with large-scale events and parades.
Karneval traditions, deeply rooted in pre-Lenten festivities, continue to draw vast crowds and celebrate regional cultural heritage.