Sessionseröffnung
When11 November 2026
WhereHeumarkt / Alter Markt, Altstadt-Nord, 50667 Cologne
TypeCarnival
StateNorth Rhine-Westphalia
The traditional Sessionseröffnung marks the start of the carnival season in Cologne. On the Heumarkt and the adjoining Alter Markt in the old town, tens of thousands of costumed Jecken celebrate. At 11:11 the start of the season is rung in with a countdown and a shower of confetti; on stage, stars of carnival music and the designated Dreigestirn perform.