Bonn Carnival Session Opening 11.11.

11.11. at 11:11 AM — the iconic carnival start

The Session Opening on 11.11. is one of the central dates in Rhenish carnival: it marks the official end of the fool's drought between Ash Wednesday and November 11th, ushering in the new carnival session. In Bonn, the opening traditionally takes place in front of the Old Town Hall on the market square — on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, starting at 10:30 AM.

The Cannon Thunder at 11:11 AM

The dramatic highlight is the cannon thunder at 11:11 AM: with a cannon shot in front of the Old Town Hall, the Festausschuss Bonner Karneval officially announces the start of the new session. The newly proclaimed Bonn Dreigestirn for the 2026/27 session will then be presented on stage — consisting of Prince, Farmer, and Virgin (in Bonn, traditionally played by a man, as is customary in Cologne and Bonn carnival).

Stage Show from 10:30 AM

Even before the cannon thunder, there is a pre-show on the stage at the market square:

• Performances by Bonn carnival clubs
• Dance groups and carnival bands
• Moderation by the Festausschuss
• Welcome of guests of honor (Mayor, representatives from politics and business)

Motto 2026/27: “Tradition em Hätz, Fastelovend he un jetzt!”

Each carnival session has its own motto. For 2026/27, it is “Tradition em Hätz, Fastelovend he un jetzt!” — Kölsch for “Tradition in the heart, carnival here and now!”. The motto emphasizes the connection between tradition and modernity — and will shape the speeches, costumes, and stage shows of the entire session, from 11.11. to Ash Wednesday in February 2027.

Bonn Carnival Compared to Cologne

Bonn is part of the Cologne-Rhenish carnival stronghold but has developed its own distinct tradition compared to the dominant Cologne. While Cologne focuses on mass spectacle, Bonn's carnival is characterized by a somewhat more familiar and culturally ambitious format. The session opening on 11.11. is one of the central Bonn carnival events, followed by the Bonn Rose Monday Parade, which traditionally falls on the day after the Cologne parade, and the unique Beueler Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival).