Carnival 2026: Dates, Meaning, and What You Should Know
Carnival is one of the most well-known festivals in Germany.
Every year, many people ask the same question:
When is Carnival, and how does it actually work?
Carnival is not celebrated the same way everywhere.
Depending on the region, traditions, names, and meanings vary.
In Cologne in particular, Carnival plays a central role in the annual calendar.
When is Carnival 2026?
Carnival is based on the date of Easter.
The Carnival season always ends with Ash Wednesday.
In 2026, Ash Wednesday falls on February 18.
This determines the most important Carnival dates.
The most important Carnival dates in 2026
- Weiberfastnacht: Thursday, February 12, 2026
- Carnival Sunday: February 15, 2026
- Rose Monday: February 16, 2026
- Violet Tuesday: February 17, 2026
- Ash Wednesday: February 18, 2026
These days mark the peak of the Carnival season.
Rose Monday, in particular, plays a major role in many cities.
Which German states celebrate Carnival?
Carnival is mainly celebrated in the Rhineland, parts of Hesse, and Baden-Württemberg.
In other regions, Carnival is less prominent or celebrated in very different ways.
Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz are among the most famous Carnival strongholds.
Each city has its own traditions and unique way of celebrating.
Why Carnival has special significance in Cologne
Cologne Carnival is considered one of the largest and most traditional in Europe.
For several days, the city center turns into a huge celebration zone.
The Rose Monday parade is the highlight.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to Cologne to experience the parade live.
What visitors should know before Carnival
Carnival means crowded streets, large crowds, and long days outdoors.
Preparation is especially important for visitors.
This includes suitable clothing, fixed meeting points, and clear time planning.
Anyone who wants to experience Carnival consciously should inform themselves in advance about schedules and options.
Experiencing Carnival with fixed meeting points
In addition to traditional street Carnival, Cologne also offers organized options.
Fixed locations provide structure, safety, and comfort during the Carnival days.
Some visitors deliberately choose a fixed meeting point along the parade route.
This allows them to experience the festivities without spending the entire day outside.
Further information about Carnival in Cologne
If you want to experience Carnival in Cologne, it’s worth taking a closer look at the individual days.
Rose Monday, in particular, offers many options for visitors and groups.
You can find more details about schedules, parade routes, and alternatives in our other Carnival-related articles.
