Cologne's renowned Rosenmontagszug parade charmed thousands of attendees on March 3, 2025, as the city celebrated one of its major carnival highlights under clear skies and warming temperatures. This year, the parade, aptly themed 2FasteLOVEnd – wenn Dräum widder bl4he,2 showcased creativity and excitement with elaborate floats and enthusiastic spectators.
Beginning at 10 AM from the Severinstorburg, the parade weaved through the heart of Cologne, covering approximately 8.5 kilometers. The route included iconic streets like Severinsstraße, Schildergasse, and Neumarkt, before concluding at Mohrenstraße around 2 PM. With maximum temperatures of up to 10 degrees Celsius, sunny weather enhanced the festive atmosphere as crowds overflowed along the parade path.
With over 12,500 participants, including 77 festive floats and 25 whimsical parody vehicles, this year's Rosenmontagszug gathered more than 80 groups, comprising traditional corps, dance troops, and music ensembles—it was decidedly the highlight of the city's Carnival season.
Marc Michelske, the parade leader, expressed joy, stating, 2Right now, these two elements come together beautifully, making it special,2 as he guided the parade past the esteemed Cologne Cathedral.
The event was not just about the spectacle; it was also about the iconic Cologne sweets tossed to the eager crowd. This year, 300 tons of goodies were distributed, including 700,000 chocolate bars, 220,000 boxes of pralines, and 300,000 small flower bouquets, known locally as Strjer. Attendees eagerly caught these treats, with many even arriving equipped with bags to collect the tossed sweets.
Celebrity presence at the event added another layer of excitement. Well-known figures like Lukas Podolski, along with famous personalities Robert and Carmen Geiss, rode on lavish floats, bringing joyous waves and throwing candies to the excited crowd. Podolski was spotted smiling brightly, showcasing the lively carnival spirit.
Despite the celebrations, the local authorities were vigilant about security. Cologne's police chief, Johannes Hermanns, reassured the public before the parade began, stating, 2Great weather today, we have many colleagues deployed. We're ensuring everyone can celebrate peacefully,2 but acknowledged the increased tensions due to recent security alerts circulating on social media.
The joyous atmosphere was marred, albeit momentarily, by the decision to close certain areas, particularly around Heumarkt, due to overcrowding concerns. The Festkomitee Klner Karneval encouraged attendees to respect safety guidelines and take alternative routes to prevent congestion.
Visitors donned colorful costumes and vivid apparel, reflecting the session's vibrant theme. The parade was not only about watching but participating—ranging from traditional outfits to modern playful attire, the creativity on display was noteworthy. This was celebrated by various media outlets airing live broadcasts, including WDR, which led the live coverage.
By early afternoon, reports indicated the parade was well-received, with singing and jubilation along the route. Families enjoyed the day together, capturing moments and sharing the joyous energy of the event.
The Rosenmontagszug is more than just a parade; it's cultural heritage alive with laughter, camaraderie, and delightful chaos—embodying the essence of Cologne's Carnival spirit. Thousands thronged to experience the unique atmosphere, reminiscent of the once-in-a-lifetime moments only found during this joyful celebration.