Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. is a noteworthy moment for Germans as it is for Canadians. However, the German acknowledgement differs significantly in tone and atmosphere. Rather than the ominous and solemn celebration as in Canada, Germans celebrate with joy and revelry.
Many European cities celebrate carnival in February. The Germans get an early start to their carnival, on Nov. 11.
The 11th day of the 11th month is a magical date for carnival-lovers. In German carnival strongholds, which include the Rhineland, and especially Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen and Mainz, the season officially begins at precisely 11:11 a.m.
A jester called “Hoppeditz” awakes in Düsseldorf, Cologne greets its trio of fools and the traditional “Fool’s Charter” is read in Mainz, accompanied by the famous “Narhalla” parade. These celebrations usually take place on the main square or in front of city hall in different cities. People go out wearing costumes, and local musicians as well as loads of alcohol keep the party going on all day. Some will keep partying throughout the night, as bars are also in carnival fever.
Carnival begins on 11.11 at 11.11am
The 11th day of the 11th month is a magical date for carnival-lovers. In German carnival strongholds, which include the Rhineland, and especially Cologne, Bonn, Düsseldorf, Aachen and Mainz, the season officially begins at precisely 11:11 a.m.
A jester called “Hoppeditz” awakes in Düsseldorf, Cologne greets its trio of fools and the traditional “Fool’s Charter” is read in Mainz, accompanied by the famous “Narhalla” parade. These celebrations usually take place on the main square or in front of city hall in different cities. People go out wearing costumes, and local musicians as well as loads of alcohol keep the party going on all day. Some will keep partying throughout the night, as bars are also in carnival fever.
After November 11, it’s mostly quiet. People focus on the upcoming Advent season. Yet on January 1st, cities start celebrating the official street carnival, called the “Kampagne” (or campaign). November 11 is just a prelude to the real action launching the new year, explains Lothar Both, the President of the “Ranzengarde,” a carnival club in Mainz. Once again, a parade goes through the city at 11:11 a.m. All those who have survived their New Year’s Eve party can just keep on drinking while the carnival clubs and their guards march through the streets with their brass bands and drums.
Of course, the real madness is reserved for the last week of carnival.
The last Thursday before Lent is very similar to the November 11 party. On market squares of different carnival strongholds, thousands of fools and jesters take to the streets, at 11:11 a.m. of course, to enjoy speeches, music and even more alcohol. True carnival professionals don’t hold back – they’ll take a week off until Ash Wednesday to party extensively before Lent starts.
Everybody should visit Germany during carnival, especially the Rhineland, to experience partying like you’ve never seen before and, once and for all, destroy the image of the stern, humourless and serious German.
And it all starts on November 11th at 11.11 a.m.
Sources: Denise Kotulla, timeanddate.com
Deutsche Welle
