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Porajn Carnival: Traditions and Events
This article details the traditions and events of the Porajn carnival in Germany, highlighting celebrations in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz, including the start date, key events, and unique customs.
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- What is the significance of the carnival bivouacs?
- Some carnival associations erect bivouacs before the carnival, where they prepare for the festivities. These involve setting up tents, building bonfires, and socializing, with a focus on drinking and preparing costumes, with inter-city and inter-association visits being a feature.
- When and how does the Porajn carnival officially begin?
- The Porajn carnival officially starts on November 11th at 11:11 am, lasting until Ash Wednesday of the following year. Celebrations vary across different cities, with unique traditions like awakening Hoppeditz in Düsseldorf and the presentation of the Dreigestirn in Cologne.
- What types of events are held after the official start of the carnival?
- Following the official start, "sessions" and masked balls are permitted. While many official events occur after New Year's, some unofficial events, like the Stunksitzung in Cologne, start in December, becoming major events with tickets in high demand.
- What are the challenges involved in learning traditional carnival songs?
- Each city has its traditional carnival songs, with new ones constantly being written. In Cologne, the LMS campaign promotes the learning of local carnival songs, which often employ the Cologne dialect, presenting a unique linguistic challenge.
- What is the significance of January 1st in Mainz during the carnival season?
- In Mainz, a traditional carnival parade takes place on January 1st, providing a festive cure for New Year's Eve hangovers. This event involves music, performances, and plenty of drinks, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.