The recently concluded carnival session in Herzogenrath and the entire Aachen city region has once again highlighted the importance of festivity in the annual calendar.
According to Stephan Rauber, Chairman of the Herzogenrath Carnival Committee (AHK), “The carnival in our city proves time and again that this beautiful tradition is rightly listed as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.”
This sentiment resonates deeply as carnival participants continue to bring joy amid challenging times marked by war and crises across the globe. The new carnival season is poised to unfold with promising leadership, as Robin Cappa and Anna-Lena Albert are announced as the 2025/2026 carnival prince and princess, respectively.
At just 26 years old, Robin Cappa, a special education teacher in training, brings a lifetime of involvement in carnival activities. His journey began in 2013 when he joined the KG Ritzerfelder Jonge, a local carnival association. His dedication blossomed, leading him to roles such as youth leader and later the first chairman of the association since 2021. Robin's enthusiasm for carnival runs deep; it is a family affair. His grandfather, Herbert Horbach, played a significant role in the carnival traditions as a recipient of the Waage von Ritzerfeld, a distinguished award, and as a member of the Golden Bockrijjer Order Committee.
Equally passionate about the carnival tradition, Anna-Lena Albert carries her family's legacy forward. Employed by the city of Herzogenrath, her roots in carnival culture run even deeper. Notably, her parents held the titles of Herzogenrath Prince and Princess during the 2002/2003 season, with Anna-Lena participating in the celebrations as a maiden.
Her own experience as a participant in the 2003 Cologne Triumvirate, where she stepped in as a virgin for a day, provided her with early exposure to the carnival's enchanting atmosphere. Furthermore, since 2014, Anna-Lena has been actively involved with KG Ritzerfelder Jonge, serving various leadership roles including managing director since 2021. Following her grandfather's passing in 2020, she took on the responsibility of producing certificates for the Golden Bockrijjer Order Committee.
With a shared vision, Cappa and Albert aim to showcase the vibrancy and relevance of carnival traditions, emphasizing that they are “not outdated or rigid, but instead offer joy and real value for both young and old.” Together with their trusted royal entourage, they plan to deliver an unforgettable carnival season filled with merrymaking, joy, and the authentic experience of Rötscher Fastelaer.
The coronation of Robin and Anna-Lena is set for November 22, 2025, with tickets to the event soon to be available. Several organizations affiliated with the Herzogenrath Carnival Committee, including the 1st Große KG “De Bockrijjer,” KG Ritzerfelder Jonge, and the Herzogenrath city guard, will host various events throughout the upcoming carnival season.
Meanwhile, the enthusiasm for carnival celebrations is not contained to Herzogenrath alone. In Brackwede, a district of Bielefeld, the Brackweder Karnevalverein von 1949 e. V. plays a significant role in the local festivities. Annually, they organize lavish gala events in the auditorium of the Brackwede Gymnasium. During an interview with Kanal 21, Ulrich Altenburg, the president of the Brackweder Karnevalverein and vice president Martin Eggert detailed the club's historical significance and its contributions to the local carnival culture.
The carpet of carnival activities across North Rhine-Westphalia, home to various local societies like those in Herzogenrath and Brackwede, demonstrates how carnival is celebrated widely, beyond just the renowned hubs of Cologne and Düsseldorf. It emphasizes the rich tradition and community spirit that bind the regions together during this festive time of year.
This collaborative effort among diverse local carnival associations underscores the collective goal of spreading joy and preserving cultural heritage. As preparations ramp up for the carnival season, communities across the region look forward to embodying the spirit of unity and festivity that defines this cherished tradition.
With the anticipation building for the upcoming sessions, the legacy of carnival in North Rhine-Westphalia, propelled by figures like Robin Cappa and Anna-Lena Albert in Herzogenrath and the Brackweder Karnevalverein’s deep-rooted involvement in Bielefeld, shines ever brighter, promising an inspiring and jubilant future for this beloved cultural festival.
