The 2025 carnival season starts on 11.11. In the early morning, tens of thousands of revellers celebrate on Heumarkt and the adjacent Alter Markt in Cologne's Old Town.
After an appearance by Lord Mayor Reker, Festival Committee President Kuckelkorn and the children's triumvirate, the fifth season officially begins at 11:11 a.m., which is launched with a countdown by the Willi Ostermann Society, accompanied by stage fireworks. This is followed at around 11.30 a.m. by the presentation of the Cologne triumvirate consisting of Prince René Klöver, Farmer Michael Samm and Maid Marlis, alias Hendrik Ermen.
Carnival music stars on the stage at Heumarkt include Kasalla, the Paveier, the Höhner, Cat Ballou, Brings and the Bläck Fööss. The stage program starts at 9 am and officially ends at 7 pm. Afterwards, however, the celebrations continue in the pubs of the cathedral city.
Travelers to Cologne must expect closures and access controls on 11.11. The entire event site will be cordoned off on a large scale. Access is only possible with a ticket or pass. Residents must identify themselves.