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Kölle Alaaf is the cheer with which the Carnival at Cologne is declared open on the nineteenth of February and this almost Mediterranean city of Germany transforms into a riot of stupendous proportions.

The most famous parade is the Rose Day Parade, called the Rosenmonntag when extraordinarily decorated floats displaying everything including lampoons of German politicians. Chocolates, sweets, flowers, stuffed toys and even other gift items are tossed from the floats to the cheering onlookers. While costumes, parades, music bands crowding the streets and squares all over the city are major attractions, what draws most tourists to this, probably the wildest, European carnival is the complete abandonment of all restrictions and the riotous parties and masked balls organized in the city every night. This blog lists the best parties of the carnival so that the partygoer in you is done partying to the fullest by the time the carnival draws to a close.

1. Kölsche Aape Sitzung

Kölsche Aape Sitzung is one of the biggest parties of the carnival bringing together all aspects of a party and a ball. Drinks flow at civilian prices while dancing continues throughout the night. The party is being arranged in the Cologne Maternushaus for the second time this year. Exhilarating live and recorded music, flickering lights and the lost-in-fun attendees all add to the intoxication of the event.

2. EhrenGarde der Stadt Köln

EhrenGarde der Stadt Köln is the Honor Guard of the City of Cologne. They organize several women’s meetings throughout the year but one of their best known parties is definitely the one they throw during the carnival. Remember yellow and green are the thematic colors here. The hottest masquerade ball in Cologne has guests dressed in some of the best costumes. An entirely different world is created inside the walls of this huge hall- a world lost in the charm of the carnival.

3. Rosa Funken Köln

Rosa Funken Köln or the Costume Ball of Pink Sparks will be held on the twenty first of February this year. Almost a thousand and a half guests pack the Cologne-Mülheim arena. In addition to the dancing and drinking there are several performances put up by international artists that range from magic shows, acrobat shows, oriental fantasy dances and the dances of horror, vice and ecstasy to the more openly raunchy girl revues, peak skirts and erotic garters shows. The most imaginative costumes also receive special prizes at the end of the ball.

4. KKG Blomekörfge

The oldest family company in Cologne is the registered association of KKG Blomekörfge. Its parties are more staid and suited for the family. Special programs, great food and music ensure that every guest entering the Ostermann Hall gets the full value of the ticket price.

It is important to remember to wear slimmer costumes to the parties because of the space constraint at these places. The tickets to most of these parties are expensive but it is bound to make you feel better when you know that a percentage of every ticket price goes towards some charity.

Photo of carnival costume shop in Cologne, Germany, by Jesus Presley