Düsseldorf is one of the strongholds of Rhenish Carnival.
"JECK - WE CAN"
Düsseldorfs Sessionsmotto 2009/2010
Duesseldorf is one of the fortresses of the Rhineland Carnival. More than 300 carnival sessions and costume balls are celebrated in the state capital between 'Hoppeditz Awakening' November 11th (11.11) and Ash Wednesday.
The highlight of the Jester (fools) season is the Rosenmontagszug (Rose Monday Parade) or Mardi Gras, more than two and a half kilometres long, with approximately 60 floats emblazoned with great artistic fantasy, and countless walking groups, meandering their way through the city.
Annually, about a million Jesters 'fools' and visitors, line the pavements, shouting 'Helau' (the local carnival greeting) hoping to catch plenty of 'Kamelle' (confectionary) thrown from the various floats.
Possibly even more popular with Düsseldorf womenfolk is the Altweiberfastnacht (Women’s’ night) Thursday before Rose Monday, when women storm the City Hall in order to show the Councillors who is really master of the house. Tradition demands that ties of all the men get cut in the process! (If he is a VIP, all the better.
Carnival in Duesseldorf
The Sunday before the grand parade has an almost carefree Venetian atmosphere. On Koenigsallee, citizens in fancy dress costume, meet to dance, sing or simply have fun.
Duesseldorf's carnival has a longstanding tradition. In 1825, the first 
prince was elected and the first Rose Monday Parade organised.
This annual colourful potpourri is organised by the Duesseldorf Carnival Committee which is combined of about 60 carnival clubs. The committee elects the prince, coordinates the numerous events and also organises the Rose Monday Parade.
This grand parade, lasting for four to five hours, requires considerable organisation! Numerous policemen and medical attendants are on duty along the parade's path, to name just two aspects.
On Ash Wednesday, it is all over. The fools get together to burn and mourn 'Hoppeditz', the local figure of an eloquent jester, hoping that the waiting time until the next carnival will be short.