Karnevalsumzüge in Deutschland (Topic: Carnival)
Translation
Carnival Parades in Germany
The carnival parade is an important event in many areas of Germany. The parades in Cologne and Mainz are particularly famous and are even broadcast on television. But carnival parades take place in many smaller cities as well.
On floats or on foot, performers proceed past the parade-goers who gather along the side of the road to admire the elaborate costumes. The air is filled with paper chains and confetti. Cologne’s Kamelle sweets are very popular, and not just with the children — they are caramels that are thrown by the handful from the garland-covered carnival floats.
The mood is infectious: everyone dances to the music. Many people dress as clowns and wear false noses. Others wear silly party hats and wave paper streamers or little flags.
In bigger cities, the carnival processions are often very long, so you have to head out on to the street early if you want to find a good spot from which to watch the parade. When you’re out for so long, it’s only natural that you’ll get hungry after a while. But not to worry: anyone who’s hungry can just buy themselves a snack from one of the many food stands and keep on partying.