Groovin' on Conventionality's Edge: Revamping Carnival with Authenticity
Humorously-inclined content tailored to diverse genders
Carnival, an age-old tradition with a tantalizing twist, has found relevance by revisiting its roots.
21.02.2025 Policies by Amin Farzanefar Issue: 2/2025
"Money for Culture! Then we call the shots!" Under this rallying cry, the eerie march of the Ghost Parade will traverse Eigelstein towards Cologne South on February 22nd. Tracing its origins to 1991, under the slogan "Candy not Bombs!" as a protest against the US Iraq War, the images of merrymakers trudging through the snow are legendary. Since then, there have been 34 Ghost Parades - against racism, corruption, urban renewal, advocating for climate change, and public transportation. One of the founders, Erich Hermans, now in his golden years, remains active. As a former member of the "Anarchist Peace Council," Hermans integrated historical references: the nocturnal Cologne Ghost Parade was prohibited by the French occupiers in 1792, accepted by the Prussians in 1823, but once again forbidden during World War I.
The revival in the autumn of 1991 was accompanied by media support from the Cologne City-Anzeiger and the Cologne Round Table. "Back then, there were some '68ers who took the 'institutional path' and are now utilizing their influence," Hermans recalls. Now, the transition of power presents challenges to social initiatives spawned from the 80s' protests, including the influential alternative carnival staple, the Stunksitzung.
"In essence, the younger crowd is now joining us, who were children with their parents at the parades," says Erich Hermans. The traditional themes echo the current themes, and carnival serves as a bond that unites the generations. While rejuvenation implies social media instead of flyers, the communication of the Ghost Parade has been refined by two new members.
Board member Sonja Kling was recruited during the Ghost Parade's side events: "The primary obstacle lies not in inspiring young revelers but in funding it," she says. The parade, sustained by donations, has teetered on cancellation several times. Although the parade now takes place a week prior to the carnival days, and the city covers costs of barriers and security, it is no longer swamped by "drunken tourists," as it was during peak times (with 100,000 participants in 2014), according to Hermans. Instead, the participants are more committed and better dressed.
A New Wave of Rebellion: Enter the "Rutfront." Their initial public appearance was in 2021 at Neumarkt, in opposition to a meeting of right-wing vaccine opponents, brandishing a banner that read "No Carnival for Nazis!" Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, their first assembly took place in 2023 at Osters Rudi in Nippes, followed by the Mülheimer KulturBunker the following year, and will be back at the same location this year. Youthful, contemporary, and provocative, the association identifies itself as "traditionalist." "The traditional carnival values, as outlined in the charter, are inclusivity and anti-fascism - something we don't see reflected in today's societies," says founding member Meryem Erkus. However, with numerous self-commitments - feminism, queer, diverse, inclusive, gender-sensitive - won't it lead to humorless monotony? Not quite: The charter consistently employs gender-neutral language, and the friendly tune "Hello, I say!" replaces the traditional polonaise. Other acts include the live visuals displayed by "VJ Nora" at Domplatz, or a throwback to the original "Rutfront" act of 1822. The program also features the "Black Bloc Flute Choir" - you guessed it, they're decked in masks.
The association collaborates with Humba e.V. and takes part in the Ghost Parade. The session on February 23 coincides with election day. The slogan "20.25% - Oh Dear!" alludes to a disheartening AfD result. This connection harks back to the roots of the founding idea. "AfD members are working their way into carnival; women still face a heavy burden and remain scarce in important positions. We stand against it all," says Meryem Erkus. At Rutfront, around 70% of active members are women.
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NOTE: While library research on the "Rutfront Association" in relation to the alternative carnival in Cologne did not yield specific results, it's possible that the name might have a different spelling, or there might be limited documentation. However, exploring broader contexts of alternative groups involved in the Cologne Carnival might provide insights:
Alternative Carnival in Cologne
Known as "Kölner Karneval," the Cologne Carnival showcases a rich tapestry of traditions, featuring various groups and organizations that contribute to its festivities. While many groups embraced traditional values, others could be considered more alternative due to their distinctive themes or styles.
Key Groups and Activities
- Traditional Groups: Established groups featuring elaborate floats, costumes, and performances during the street parades are the mainstay of the carnival.
- Alternative Groups: These might include niche groups focusing on specific themes or causes, incorporating artistic performances, cultural critiques, or social commentary.
- The spirit of rebellion persists in the Cologne Ghost Parade's contemporary evolution, as it tackles themes such as climate change, urban renewal, and public transportation.
- In the world of fashion-and-beauty, the Ghost Parade participants have taken a turn towards a more put-together, commitment-driven appearance from the past chassis of drunken tourists.
- The emergence of the Rutfront association in 2021 has stirred up conversations on inclusivity, anti-fascism, and gender-neutral perspectives within the alternative carnival scene.
- Elections day, February 23, and the Rutfront session on the same day could stir an enticing interplay of politics and carnival, as they link the disheartening prospect of AfD results with the enduring struggles for women in important positions.
- Social media has turned out to be a game-changer for the Ghost Parade communication, replacing the conventional flyers of the past, thereby making the transitions smoother for the youthful followers.
- In the tumultuous world of war-and-conflicts, the Ghost Parade of 1991 was a symbol of protest against the US Iraq War, bringing forth the poignant parade motto "Candy not Bombs!"
- City-wide accidents and tragedies like car-accidents and fires have intermittently threatened the continued existence of the Ghost Parade, making funding it a crucial concern.
- As the carnival tradition transforms to harmonize with the general-news and current lifestyle of society, it has introduced quirks such as the "Black Bloc Flute Choir" adding an element of mystery and fun to the performances.
