With the awakening of “Hoppeditz”, Dusseldorf’s carnival joker, on November 11, 2019, the region’s fifth season began. Fans of creative costumes, colorful processions and vibrant music can now look forward to more than 300 carnival sessions, costume balls, parades and much more throughout Dusseldorf, particularly in the city center. Dusseldorf is widely known for its festivities, and rightly so – alongside Cologne and Mainz, it’s regarded as the third major pillar of the Rhine region’s carnivals.
The colorful traditions of the Dusseldorf revelers reach their peak during the weekend before Ash Wednesday – from “Altweiber” on the Thursday through to Rose Monday. The street carnival sees all other activities suspended in the old town over this long weekend.
Anyone who wants to get right into the thick of things and experience the best of the famed Dusseldorf carnival shouldn’t miss out on these events:
“Altweiberfastnacht” celebrations on February 20, 2020 from 11:11 am
On Thursday at 11:11 am, the “Altweiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival Day) starts in Dusseldorf with the tradition of women storming the city hall. You can then wander among the revelers and enjoy the colorful activities of the street carnival in the old town.
Children and Youth Procession on February 22, 2020 at 2 pm
If you’d like to celebrate Dusseldorf’s carnival with the whole family, then you shouldn’t miss the Children and Youth Procession in Dusseldorf’s city center! People start gathering at 12:30 pm at the school yard of the Görres secondary school, though the parade only starts around 2 pm. It makes its way towards Burgplatz, and you can simply join in with your children at any time.
“Kö-Treiben” parade on February 23, 2020 from 11 am
Anyone who finds the events in the old town a bit too wild is sure to enjoy the slightly calmer “Kö-Treiben” events on Carnival Sunday. The street parade starts in the morning, including a procession along Dusseldorf’s wonderful Königsallee street. You won’t find more original costumes or more creative homemade parade floats anywhere else!
Rose Monday Parade on February 24, 2020 from midday
Without a doubt, the highlight of Dusseldorf’s carnival is the Rose Monday Parade with its decorated carnival floats parading through the whole city center; it’s even broadcast every year on TV. The politically themed floats by the satirist Jacques Tilly are renowned worldwide.
We look forward to seeing all carnival fans in Dusseldorf! From our Living Hotel De Medici it’s only a few minutes on foot to the carnival festivities in Dusseldorf’s old town. From our Living Hotel Düsseldorf you’re just quarter of an hour away by public transport. And until the end of February, we’re even offering up to a 25% discount on selected apartments with our exclusive winter special.
