"Kölle Alaaf!" and "Solig lot jonn!"

It's the fifth season in Germany - "Karneval"!

Since the 11th November of last year, the "Kölsche Jecken" have been preparing for tomorrow: "Ruusemondaach" they call it in the regional dialect of Cologne "Kölsch". (Rosenmontag / Rose Monday is what everybody else calls it). Especially in the German "Rheinland" region (between Köln (Cologne) and Düsseldorf), this is one of the most important holidays of the year. There will be street parades with massive, themed floats, candy will be thrown into the crowds, Karnevalsongs will be sung and everybody will dress up and have a good time. The parade in Köln is seen as THE Karneval parade and most of the songs and shows come from there as well.

So-called "Prunksitzungen" have been on TV since November, with comedians performing mostly in "Kölsch" in front of a festival committee. Bands like "Höhner", "Bläck Föös" and "De Räuber" are all from Köln and their best-known songs are all about the city of Köln and Karneval - and nonsense songs for Karneval as well. Kölle Alaaf!



When I was a kid, I loved the dressing up. The Solinger street parade was a laugh, though. The route was too short, the streets too narrow and we'd leave as soon as the last float came past. I haven't celebrated Karneval properly as an adult yet - but I'd like to some day. I'd also love to spend a Rosenmontag in Köln and experience the parade there - even though moving through the city and getting there and back will be really difficult. For the "Rosenmontagszug", everything in Köln comes to a standstill.

Don't believe me?? This is the "Kölner Rosenmontagszug" from 2006 with "Höhner" performing "Viva Colonia"...



With that in mind: A threefold "Kölle Alaaf, Kölle alaaf, Kölle alaaf!" and "Solig lot jonn, Solig lot jonn, Solig lot jonn!"