Carnival in Aachen
"Vür fiere Öcher Karneval, Wat morje es dat es os doch ejal Vür blïve Frönde ejal wat och könt Wenn vür zesame stönt Bes morje fröch, wör doch jelaat“
Can you feel it? It's like music. It's an attitude to life, a pleasure. We Aacheners are carried through the fifth season for weeks by the sound of the 4 Amigos and many other carnival classics, new songs and prince songs. I ask myself whether the term “fifth season” expresses what it is? No, certainly not. It is pure life, love for tradition, for celebrating, for laughter, for home - and for “Aachen newcomers”, love for the unknown. It's the desire to dress up, perhaps to take on a different role. It is curiosity.
The most important thing? Relaxed, peaceful, authentic celebrations - without constraints, fears or violence.
„Stonn op un danz“ (Querbeat)
I take a look at the Aachen events calendar. The time leading up to the “actual” carnival days is filled with a host of events of all kinds. Since the beginning of the year, there have been celebrations every weekend. Sessions and parties in all parts of Aachen, for children and adults. Where, how and with whom do we celebrate? The choice is not easy!
„Do wors verkleidt als Schneeleopard weld am danze op ding eige Aat“ (Querbeat)
When I think back to my childhood, Fat Thursday was more of a day for women. Old wives' day. The old-fashioned traditional idea has changed somewhat. From 11:11 it gets colorful and wild. Women and men, young and old celebrate, dance and laugh. At the street carnival, I feel the vibe especially where a great program on stages encourages dancing and swaying. You can experience this at the Burtscheider Markt and immerse yourself in the beautiful world of carnival with a traditional touch.
Would you prefer a party with a disco feeling, carnival hits and live music until midnight, but with a traditional feel? Then I recommend the tent of the Oecher Penn - the city guard of 1857 - in the Katschhof, where there is a program on all carnival days.
On Carnival Saturday, things continue with a more stately touch: the AKV celebrates the Floressei Palast, which has been very popular for years, in the Altes Kurhaus. In the pompous ambience of the old walls, the costumes shine and the imaginatively costumed people celebrate exuberantly. The supporting program - such as the appearance of the prince and his court - is deliberately kept to a minimum. The focus is on enjoying the party.
„Und ich flieg flieg wie ein Flieger … heut is so ein schöner Tag“
Little princesses, mini crocodiles, ladybugs on their mom's hand and half-strong Minions can immerse themselves in the colorful world of confetti at the Märchenprinzen children's festival (February 26, i.e. before the carnival days) at the Eurogress.
On Fat Thursday, a special party for children (and their companions) up to teenage age will take place for the first time. “Let's Fetz” from 11:11 a.m. at Kwartier 106, Grüner Weg 106. Parents and children can celebrate in style in four areas with a bouncy castle, food bar, Black Light Teenie Dance, café and candy bar. An event of this format has been missing in Aachen for a long time!
Fancy a colorful program of clowns, magicians, royalty and dance groups? At Barki's Kaffeevisite, the AKV children's carnival on Carnival Sunday, the whole family can also celebrate freely and exuberantly. Some parents and grandparents have certainly already been to this carnival party, as it is the oldest party of its kind in Aachen with its old name “Kaffee, Kids und Kokolores”.
„Met ner Pappnas jeboore“ (Höhner)
For many, these are the two highlight days of Aachen's carnival: Carnival Sunday and Rose Monday are traditionally synonymous with impressive carnival processions. On Sunday, the children's parade starts at 11:11 a.m. and roams the city center. Hundreds of exuberant and happy children and their families, teachers and educators parade through the streets in wild costumes, singing, dancing, throwing sweets and all kinds of small gifts. The route is lined with equally beaming children's eyes.
Monday sees the start of the Rose Monday parade with hundreds of foot groups, gigantically decorated floats, tractors, trailers - almost all decorated and dressed up according to individual themes - with loud music at 11:11 am. Young and old, historical and young carnival clubs, music corps, city riders and so many more people create an impressive atmosphere. Pure goosebumps. Again and again.
In addition to the exuberant celebrations and enjoyment, there is always an impulse to reflect. The protagonists also use carnival as a medium for expressing social and political messages, which I personally really appreciate. Because it is precisely in moments of relaxation that everyone is sensitized - also to important messages!
With a bit of luck from Petrus, the sun will shine from above every day. A delight for the senses!
We should let ourselves be carried along on the wave of enjoyment. Soak up the beautiful mix of classic, traditional and modern, celebrate peacefully and let those who have no affinity for carnival live their rhythm in peace.
“For blïve friends, whatever you can do
When vür zesame stönt”
(The 4 Amigos)