Karneval ... it's like Halloween on crack

Costumes. Candy. Chocolates. Carnival.

While similar to the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in the states, Carnival (Karneval)  or the "Fifth Season" officially starts on November 11 (11/11) at 11:11 am and actually ends on Ash Wednesday. According to Wikipedia, there are a couple different types of "Karneval" in Germany - and this is quite true. The Rhineland is probably most well-known and famous for its Karneval celebration with the biggest and most famous parade/celebration in Cologne. In other areas, such as eastern/southern Germany and Austria, this time of the year is called Fasching. In the SW of Germany and Franconia, it is known as Fastnacht (Fast in German is similar to our fasting). Mardi Gras is one day. Karneval is a week-long, drunken party starting on Thursday before Ash Wednesday - Weiberfastnacht. There are parades throughout the week. The main parades and festivities occur on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) and the day after is called Faschingdienstag. 

After hearing about the exciting candy collecting possibilities, I made it one of my goals to see as many parades as possible. My friends and I were able to attend Karnevalsumzüge (Carnival Parades) in Kessenich (Bonn), a small one in Cologne, Endenich (Bonn), Bad Godesberg (Bonn), and the big one in Cologne. In my opinion, the best parade was in Bad Godesberg. Not only did we have a great spot (we were in the front basically), but there was sooo much candy and stuff being thrown at us for about 1.5 hrs. Also, Obi (a store similar to Home Depot or Lowe's) was handing out BUCKETS for candy collection. Legit. Also, my friend caught an onion, which we later used for dinner. Haha.

If it is also your first Karneval, the following steps should help you make the most of your first Karnevalsumzug!

Step 1. Dress up.

Step 1b. If you can't find the parade, follow the German women with strollers or people with bags. Or, simply follow people with duffel bags or suitcases. 

Step 2a. Have candy, onions, tissues, chips, and rando other household items thrown at you.
Step 2b. Collect aforementioned thrown things.

Step 2c. Accept any shots of alcohol. In this case, a shot of Eierlikör (eggnog liquor ...) at 10 am. Perfect breakfast.

Step 2d. If buckets are provided, use for collection.

Step 3. Organize.

Step 4. Enjoy!

I don't think I can stand Halloween now. Why go door to door, when you can plop yourself down at one spot and have candy thrown at you?

Now that's service.