Düsseldorf will transform into a vibrant carnival hub on Tuesday as more then 1,500 jesters descend upon the state parliament for the annual “Foolish State Parliament” celebration. The event, a cornerstone of North Rhine-Westphalia’s cultural calendar, promises a lively display of regional traditions and a boost to community spirit.
A Celebration of Carnival Culture
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More than 160 prince couples, triumvirates, and carnival delegations will participate in the festivities, making it the largest gathering of its kind in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- The “Foolish state parliament” brings together carnival representatives from across North Rhine-Westphalia.
- State parliament president André Kuper will host a reception honoring the volunteers who keep carnival traditions alive.
- Each delegation will receive a commemorative session medal designed by Düsseldorf artist Jacques Tilly.
- performances by music and dance groups from various regions,including Cologne’s Höhner band,are planned.
State parliament president André Kuper emphasized the significance of carnival for the region, stating, “Carnival stands for identity, home and cohesion.” He added, “The people who work locally preserve our customs and are the good souls of our society. Whether it’s the Cologne triumvirate or the royal couple from Westphalia: everyone organizes the carnival locally – and the state parliament brings everyone together.”
Honoring Community Volunteers
The reception aims to recognize the dedication of the numerous volunteers who tirelessly organize and maintain carnival celebrations in cities and communities throughout North Rhine-Westphalia. It’s a gesture of appreciation for those who ensure the continuation of these cherished traditions.
session Medal and Carnival Session
Each participating delegation will be presented with a session medal for the year 2026, a unique design crafted by Jacques Tilly, a prominent figure in Düsseldorf’s carnival scene. René le Riche will serve as the master of ceremonies for the reception program.
Following the official proceedings, a carnival session will unfold in the Parliament’s Citizens’ Hall. Attendees can anticipate performances by music and dance ensembles representing diverse regions of North Rhine-Westphalia, with the Cologne band Höhner leading the entertainment. Groups from Düsseldorf, Cologne, Aachen, Bochum-Wattenscheid, Harsewinkel, and Mönchengladbach are also scheduled to perform.
The event also draws participants from neighboring Rhenish areas, including Judith I, the laundry princess from Bonn, who expressed her enthusiasm, saying, “I don’t see it as competition at all. It’s really fun to get to know everyone else!”
A Long-Standing Tradition
The Foolish State Parliament has become a recurring event, fostering connections among carnival representatives from all corners of North Rhine-Westphalia. The goal is to facilitate exchange and promote the preservation of local customs and Did you know?– Carnival traditions in North Rhine-Westphalia are deeply rooted in the region’s history, dating back centuries and evolving with local customs.
