Carnival in Osnabrück: New follies bring heart and love!

Carnival in Osnabrück: New follies bring heart and love!

There is great anticipation for the upcoming carnival season in Osnabrück. Today, November 4th, 2025, the motto for the upcoming session was presented: “For the love of Carnival with a lot of heart for Osnabrück,” the designated Prince Frank II will announce. This slogan stands for the connection to the city, the country and each other, and is intended to encourage people to celebrate the fifth season to the fullest. How NOZ reports, the beginning of this colorful time will be celebrated on November 11th, when the city prince starts selling the coveted PINS for a good cause.

The proceeds from the PIN sale will benefit the Osnabrück women's shelter, an important institution that supports women who have experienced violence. Frank II thus shows a keen sense of social issues, which is also part of his reign. At the same time, a special highlight will take place on Ossen Saturday, February 14, 2026, because this day falls on Valentine's Day. This promises a celebration of love - not only for the city, but also for the tradition of carnival, which is deeply rooted in Rhenish customs. In the Catholic regions of Germany, such celebrations have been part of the culture for centuries, while in Protestant areas they have only become popular in recent decades Alumni portal Germany explained.

Follies with heart

Particularly noteworthy are the children's city princes Ajla and Samir, who come from Bad Essen and are in the 7th grade of a high school. Ajla is not only a dancer in the Bad Essen Dance Sports Guard, but has also celebrated her first major performance at the State Garden Show in Bad Iburg. Samir brings family carnival traditions with him because his mother is from Aachen and was active in the carnival there. Together they plan to also sell PINS to support a social project; however, the goal has not yet been determined. Michael Lührmann, the deputy district administrator, welcomed the madams with a basket of sweets and emphasized the importance of volunteer positions, which both Ajla and Samir actively fill.

The importance of carnival as a unifying element is also emphasized by Lührmann. He sees a solidarity in carnival that he misses in politics between town and country. The Rhenish carnival is known for its satirical parades and elaborate costumes, which not only mock those in power, but also create a space for creative development. In Cologne, one of the strongholds of this tradition, tens of thousands of spectators come together every year to experience the large Rose Monday parades, which feature colorful floats and a meaning that resonates both locally and nationally.

A versatile custom

Carnival, also known as Fastelovend or Mardi Gras, is referred to as the fifth season and has its roots in ancient festivals dedicated to Dionysus and Saturn. The festive character is reflected not only in the parades, but also in the costumes, songs and the very own rituals, which vary greatly from region to region. In the Swabian-Alemannic carnival we find traditional elements such as devils and witches. Here and there, participants throw “camels,” or sweet treats, into the cheering crowd – a custom that makes the festivities even livelier. The next big opportunity to enjoy the warm togetherness of the carnival season is just around the corner.

Be ready for a fun, colorful time and support the upcoming events that not only bring fun but also promote social causes. The carnival brings people together and makes hearts beat faster, just as Frank II made it his motto.