4th \u2013 10th February 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n Since Medieval times, in Cologne the evening before the beginning of the Lent fasting period has witnessed some wild excesses. Back in the day, the festivities were limited to three days, but that was still long enough for the town by the Rhine to establish its reputation as the Teutonic Carnival capital. In 1341, the celebrations apparently grew so extravagant and uncontrollable that the city council decided to cease all municipal funding of it. Today, the city authorities once again contribute a considerable amount to the party budget, since Carnival is one of the most economically important events in the city\u2019s yearly calendar.<\/p>\n Cologne\u2019s Carnival season is officially proclaimed at the Alter Markt<\/em> square on the 11th<\/sup> day of the 11th<\/sup> month at 11:11 am. From this point on, the festive activities steadily escalate until the big week-long party in February, which takes place between the night of Weiberfastnacht<\/em> and Ash Wednesday. Christmas comes and goes rather quietly, but in January numerous Carnival sessions and balls start to kick off. The Thursday before Ash Wednesday is known as the Weiberfastnacht<\/em>, when the Carnival of the streets is inaugurated, and there\u2019s no stopping it. From then on, the so-called Jecken<\/em> carnivalists will be partying on the streets, in the bars and at home \u2013 with costumes and drinks in all colours, shapes and sizes. On this night, one Carnival custom particular to Cologne allows women to cut off men\u2019s neckties as a symbol of their male power.<\/p>\n The peak of the Cologne Carnival is the Rosenmontagszug<\/em> parade, colloquially known as the Zoch.<\/em> It has been held since 1823 and is the oldest and largest Carnival parade in Germany. With its impressive length of about 8 kilometres from start to finish, the parade attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators every year, who enjoy the spectacle of the costumed groups, marching bands and impressive floats\u2026 while trying to catch some of the approximately 300 tons of sweets that are distributed during the parade. The generous dispersal of candy, known as the Kamelle<\/em>, probably originates from the practice of indulging oneself to the full just before the beginning of Lent.<\/p>\n 3rd \u2013 10th February 2016<\/strong><\/p>\n The world-famous carnival in the metropolis at the foot of Sugarloaf Mountain is a party of superlatives: A complimentary frenzy of music, shows and plenty of alcohol. The colourful and exuberant street parties and parades are so full of samba that it is impossible to keep up with the celebrations. The biggest party in the world has its origins in Portugal: the high-spirited Entrodu <\/em>festivities marking the beginning of Lent made their way to Brazil in the 17th<\/sup> century. The present day Brazilian mega party officially begins on the Friday before Ash Wednesday, and the culmination is the parade of the various samba schools, with their colourfully dressed dancers moving through the specially built samb\u00f3dromo<\/em>. Every year, each escola de samba<\/em> chooses a specific theme that defines the style of the costumes, the rehearsed dance moves and the decorations of the float. And since football is just as popular as Carnival in Brazil, the samba schools are divided into four leagues. At the top is the Grupo Especial<\/em>, which consists of the twelve schools with the highest ranking. The winner of the parade receives a cash prize, but the honour of being a member of the victorious school is almost more important. Many of the women dancing through the samb\u00f3dromo<\/em> prepare hard all year round and save up money for the costume that they\u2019ll wear only for this one occasion of the parade. The processions always begin at 9am, and last for ten hours each day. If this won\u2019t satisfy your party needs, then nothing will.<\/p>\n![\"Carnival](\"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Karneval-Sdstadtzug-4-c-Flickr_Robert-Brands.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Carnival](\"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/03\/Karneval-Schlumpfinen-c-Flickr_Tim-Bartel.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCarnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Carneval](\"https:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/03\/c-Flickr_Sergio-Luiz.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCarnival in Venice, Italy <\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"gondel](\"http:\/\/www.meininger-hotels.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2016\/03\/gondel-c-Flickr_Giorgio-Minguzzi.jpg\")
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