As the first weekend of November approaches, the German-speaking community in Belgium is poised to kick off its vibrant carnival celebrations.
The festivities, steeped in tradition and history, will officially begin on Saturday, November 2, with the announcement of the 72nd carnival prince in the eastern town of Kelmis, also known by its French name, Calamine.
This ceremonial event marks the commencement of several months of merriment, culminating in Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) on March 3, 2025.
Carnival, which traces its origins back to the 13th century, serves as a jubilant prelude to the Lenten fasting period leading up to Easter.
This year, the honor of becoming the carnival prince goes to a member of the royal society “Les dragons verts” from Moresnet, who will be accompanied by a colorful entourage comprising a jester, a treasurer, and two pages.
Together, they will lead the KeNeHeMo carnival, which unites the communities of Kelmis, Neu-Moresnet, Hergenrath, and Moresnet in a celebration of heritage and camaraderie.
The celebrations extend beyond the announcement of the prince, with the official day of the Rhenish carnival launch occurring on November 11.
Various events are scheduled in the eastern part of Liège province, including a unique Küschespektakel (pig show) in La Calamine on Sunday, November 10. This event highlights the community’s agricultural roots and adds a distinct flavor to the festivities.
Following the launch, the carnival spirit will continue to thrive with a series of costume parties, known as Kappensitzungen, starting on November 16.
These lively gatherings will take place almost every weekend until the early hours of Rosenmontag, providing ample opportunities for revelers to showcase their creative costumes and indulge in the festivities.
The highlight of the carnival season is expected to be the grand parade, where several thousand participants will flood the streets adorned in colorful floats and costumes.
This procession is a quintessential feature of the Rhenish carnival, drawing large crowds who come to witness the dazzling displays of creativity and joy.
The community hopes that this cherished tradition will soon gain recognition as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, solidifying its significance on both a national and international level.
As the carnival season unfolds, the towns of the German-speaking community will transform into hubs of laughter, music, and revelry, uniting residents and visitors alike in celebration of a cherished cultural heritage.
The anticipation surrounding the festivities reflects the community’s deep-rooted traditions and commitment to preserving its unique identity, making this carnival season one to remember.
With the unveiling of the carnival prince just around the corner, the excitement is palpable, and the streets of Kelmis are ready to come alive with the sounds and sights of this time-honored celebration.
 on March 3, 2025){kind=link}