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Two people dressed in the traditional red and white of the Cologne Carnival enjoy a kiss
Image: Christoph Hardt/Panama Pictures/picture alliance

Carnival

Carnival is a festive season celebrated in some traditionally Catholic countries ahead of Lent. The 2026 Carnival kicks off in Germany on February 12.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

German carnival float builder Jacques Tilly poses for photographers in front of one his creation, a carnival float featuring Russian President Vladimir Putin, during the parade to celebrate Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), on February 16, 2026 in Duesseldorf, western Germany

German carnival artist charged in Russia for defaming Putin

German carnival artist charged in Russia for defaming Putin

As long as Jacques Tilly remains in Germany, he is beyond the reach of the Russian courts.
Law and JusticeFebruary 26, 202602:39 min
A plastic caricature of Trump and Putin on a parade float at the Düsseldorf Carnival. Both have their eyes narrowed and their mouths wide open. A blue bull with the inscription “Europe” jumps from Trump's mouth into Putin's mouth. A blonde female figure rides on the bull, looking back in fear.

Why does Putin feel insulted by Germany's Carnival?

Why does Putin feel insulted by Germany's Carnival?

Russia is pressing charges against German satirical artist Jacques Tilly for his Carnival float.
SocietyFebruary 21, 202604:53 min
A night-time shot of a Carnival float depicting Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva

Lula-themed Carnival floats spark controversy in Brazil

Lula-themed Carnival floats spark controversy in Brazil

Carnival floats honoring President Lula da Silva have come under fire with critics calling them early electioneering.
PoliticsFebruary 17, 202601:49 min
Two women hold their dressed-up pet dogs for a photo at the "Blocao" Carnival dog parade in Rio de Janeiro, Saturday, Feb. 14

Millions in Brazil celebrate as Rio Carnival begins

Millions in Brazil celebrate as Rio Carnival begins

Over a million people are celebrating Carnival in Rio de Janeiro — often described as the greatest party on Earth.
SocietyFebruary 16, 202601:54 min
Euromaxx l Italien, Veronica Doria dressed as a "Maria" in St. Mark's Square in Venice

Festa delle Marie: A highlight of Venice Carnival

Festa delle Marie: A highlight of Venice Carnival

The festival that celebrates the rescue of Venetian women who were abducted over 1,000 years ago.
SocietyFebruary 14, 202604:41 min
Deutschland Köln | Polizeipräsenz | Auftakt Karneval

TikTok and beats: Cologne's famed Carnival has a new image

TikTok and beats: Cologne's famed Carnival has a new image

Cologne's Carnival has a new sound. Young music, viral hits and new costume trends are shaking up tradition.
CultureFebruary 12, 2026
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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

A Jacques Tilly Karneval float shows Vladimir Putin bathing in a bathtub of blood where the bathtub is in the blue and gold of the Ukrainian flag

Trial against German Carnival satirist underway in Russia

Jacques Tilly, one of Germany's most famous float makers, has described the charges as an attack on free expression.
CultureJanuary 29, 2026
A picture of men wearing extravagant costumes during the Prince Carnival in 1884

Germany: Is the Cologne Carnival still a man's world?

Why does a man still play a "maiden" in the Cologne Carnival? And what did the Nazis have against men wearing makeup?
CultureFebruary 7, 2024
People dressed up as clowns during a Carnival celebration in Cologne

Germany: Carnival party is on despite COVID wave

As COVID infections soar in Germany, the November 11 parties are still on. But Cologne's main act faces a positive case.
CultureNovember 10, 2021
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