# Carnival Season Begins Peacefully in Cologne and Düsseldorf Traditional festivities mark the start of the fifth season across major German cities. - **Source:** [Die Zeit](https://www.zeit.de) - **Published:** 2026-11-12 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/b96e646f-94eb-478c-bf3f-d1718b8dbd60 ## Traditional Season Commencement The annual carnival season, often referred to as the fifth season, officially commenced on November 11th in the German cities of Cologne and Düsseldorf. Thousands of revelers gathered in public squares to celebrate the start of this historic cultural tradition, which remains a cornerstone of regional identity in the Rhineland area. ## Orderly Public Celebrations Authorities reported that the opening festivities proceeded in an overwhelmingly peaceful manner across both major cities. Despite the large crowds filling the streets and public spaces, law enforcement officials noted that there were no significant incidents or major disruptions reported during the initial hours of the organized public celebrations today. ## Cologne City Center Dynamics In Cologne, the historic city center served as the primary hub for the festivities, with thousands of participants wearing traditional costumes. Local authorities implemented standard security measures to manage the density of the crowds, ensuring that the transition from the autumn period into the carnival season remained safe for all attendees. ## Düsseldorf Festivities Overview Düsseldorf also experienced a vibrant start to the season, with local carnival clubs coordinating various public events throughout the city. The atmosphere remained festive and orderly as citizens participated in the customary rituals that signal the beginning of the long period leading up to the main carnival parades held in early spring. ## Historical Context of Timing The choice of November 11th for the start of the carnival season is deeply rooted in historical and religious traditions. This date serves as a symbolic marker, separating the preceding months from the intense period of social gatherings, music, and costume events that define the unique cultural landscape of the German Rhineland region. ## Security and Crowd Management City officials and police departments in both Cologne and Düsseldorf collaborated closely to maintain public order during the high-traffic event. By deploying additional personnel and establishing designated zones for festivities, the authorities successfully managed the influx of visitors while preventing the escalation of conflicts or safety hazards in crowded urban areas. ## Economic and Social Impact The start of the carnival season provides a significant boost to local businesses, including hospitality, catering, and retail sectors in both cities. Beyond the economic implications, the event fosters social cohesion, bringing together diverse groups of people to participate in shared cultural practices that have been preserved for many generations past. ## Outlook for Coming Months Following the peaceful launch of the fifth season, the focus now shifts toward the series of events scheduled throughout the winter months. Organizers will continue to monitor crowd dynamics and safety protocols as the intensity of the celebrations increases, leading up to the climax of the carnival season in the coming spring. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.zeit.de/news/2026-11/12/erste-bilanz-karnevalsstart-in-koeln-ueberwiegend-friedlich — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._