Altweiberfastnacht marks the beginning of the street carnival in Germany — the moment when the festive season fully spills out of halls and into the streets. Traditionally celebrated on the Thursday before Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), it’s a day rooted in old customs, where the usual order is playfully turned upside down and celebrations take over entire cities.
This year, I spent the afternoon in the Altstadt of Düsseldorf, walking through streets that felt alive in every possible way. Despite the cold temperatures and occasional rain showers, the atmosphere never faded. People embraced the weather as just another part of the experience, gathering under umbrellas, in doorways, or simply continuing the party out in the open.
What stood out immediately was the diversity of costumes. From simple, improvised outfits to highly detailed and creative disguises, everyone seemed to bring their own interpretation of carnival to the streets. It wasn’t about perfection — it was about expression. And that expression created countless opportunities to connect. Throughout the afternoon, I found myself in conversations with all kinds of people, each with their own story, their own reason for being there, and their own way of celebrating.
The Altstadt itself became a continuous flow of movement. Music spilled out from bars, merged with street performances, and blended into a constant background rhythm. There was no single focal point — the party was everywhere. Turning a corner could mean stepping into a completely different vibe, yet everything still felt connected by the shared energy of the day.
Historically, Altweiberfastnacht is known for its playful traditions, like women symbolically taking over control and cutting men’s ties — a custom that reflects the spirit of temporary role reversal and freedom that defines carnival. While these traditions still exist, what I experienced in Düsseldorf was something broader: a collective moment where normal routines pause and the city transforms into a space of openness and spontaneity. What I did not experience was woman actually cutting ties but it was also hard to find people wearing ties…
What stayed with me most wasn’t a single moment, but the overall feeling of the day. Moving through the Altstadt, observing, interacting, and simply taking it all in, felt like being part of something constantly unfolding. No stage, no fixed schedule — just a shared experience that kept evolving with every step.
Altweiberfastnacht in Düsseldorf isn’t about perfect conditions. It’s about people, presence, and the willingness to embrace whatever the day brings. And that’s exactly what made it special.
