Rosenmontagszug Aachen

Öcher Fastelovvend — Rose Monday in the Kaiser City

The Aachen Rose Monday Parade is the most emotional event in the Öcher Fastelovvend — that's what carnival is called in Öcher Platt, the Aachen dialect. On Rose Monday, February 16, 2026, starting at 11:11 AM, over 100 floats and marching groups will parade over about 5 kilometers through Aachen's city center. Hundreds of thousands of revellers in costume and uniform line the route, catching Kamelle (candies) and celebrating for hours at the roadside.

New Route Since 2024

Since 2024, the parade has been running along a revised route through the city center — adapted to construction sites at the Bushof, larger assembly areas, and improved sightlines. The route leads through the historic squares around the Cathedral, City Hall, and Market. Detailed parade sequence and commentary on each group will be available from February 12, 2026, in the Karneval AAK App (iOS and Android).

Rhenish Carnival as UNESCO Cultural Heritage

The Rhenish Carnival with its strongholds Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, and Düsseldorf (short ABCD) has been UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2014. Aachen maintains its own tradition with roots in the 19th century — the first organized Rose Monday parade dates back to 1859. The Aachen specialty: the battle cry Oche Alaaf! and the "Orden wider den tierischen Ernst" (Order Against Deadly Seriousness), with which the AKV annually honors prominent personalities.

FestAusschuss Aachener Karneval

The organizer is the FestAusschuss Aachener Karneval (AAK), an association of Aachen carnival clubs. The AAK coordinates the parade sequence, security, permits, and communication. Hundreds of clubs, schools, initiatives, guards, and dance groups register floats and walking groups — from elaborate floats with political satire to school marching groups.

Aachen — Kaiser City at the Dreiländereck

Aachen, Germany's westernmost major city, is located at the tri-border area of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The independent city with its UNESCO World Heritage Aachen Cathedral and the RWTH Aachen University has been a carnival stronghold for generations. On Rose Monday, the city center transforms into one large stage — hotels and guesthouses are booked months in advance.

Tips for Spectators

Arriving early is worthwhile: the best spots at the Market and Katschhof are occupied from 9 AM. Families will find quieter sections of the route at Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz and along Wilhelmstraße. Wear warm clothing, waterproof boots — and don't forget bags for the Kamelle.