Source: Own Illustration
The fifth season is just around the corner, and at the IT Center we can hardly wait to celebrate these colourful days in style! Carnival is not only a time of celebration, but also a wonderful opportunity to experience community and admire the creative costumes of our colleagues. The festive season begins on November 11 at 11:11 am.
The Number 11: The Start of the Carnival Season
Why this particular number? Some fascinating theories have already been mentioned in our previous article. The number 11 has an exciting significance in carnival. Historically, 11 is considered a ‘foolish’ number – it stands between the symbolically significant numbers 10 and 12 and is often seen as odd and unconventional. In carnival, it symbolises breaking out of everyday life, a kind of ‘fool’s freedom’, which is reflected in the exuberant festive mood. The tradition even goes so far that many carnival clubs are organised with an ‘Elfer Council’, which is responsible for planning the activities.
How Is It Celebrated?
Quelle: Eigene Darstellung
Carnival, also known as Fastnacht or Fasching, is a traditional festive season that is mainly celebrated in Catholic regions in Germany. Its origins date back to the Middle Ages, when the festival was celebrated before the strict period of Lent in preparation for Easter. Carnival is a time of celebration and exuberance, when people shed their everyday roles and dress up in colourful and creative costumes.
Typical traditions include colourful parades with decorated floats, where sweets and candy are handed out to onlookers. Many cities in Germany, especially Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf, are famous for their street parades and festivities, which attract thousands of visitors every year. Highlights include the ‘Rosenmontagszug’ (March 3, 2025) and the ‘Fettdonnerstag’ (February 27, 2025) celebrations, where the fools take over and party until Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025). From Ash Wednesday until Easter Sunday, people say goodbye to meat. Many also give up social media, luxury foods and plastic.
A Look Back at Past Carnival Celebrations
Source: Own Illustration
In recent years, we have experienced some unforgettable carnival moments at the IT Center. One particular highlight was Fettdonnerstag 2019, when our employees dressed up as funny M&Ms. Colourful and cheerful, we paraded through the halls, accompanied by carnival music and delicious food.
In 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, we kept the carnival alive by finding creative ways to keep the festive spirit online. These moments reminded us of the importance of sharing and togetherness. We also celebrated in 2021 with costume competitions and colourful challenges that made for lots of laughs. Take a look at our previous carnival celebrations and relive our best moments from 2023 and 2024.
Off to the 2024 Carnival Season!
Today, on November 11, we ring in the 2025 carnival season! Fat Thursday on February 27 promises to be a highlight and we look forward to seeing the happy faces and colourful costumes of our colleagues. This year, we are also planning the annual merry polonaise through the IT Center, a tradition that focuses on togetherness.
Celebrating Together!
Carnival is a time of togetherness and joy. We look forward to continuing this tradition with all IT Centre employees. Whether young or old, joker or newcomer – everyone is welcome to be part of this colourful spectacle!
Here’s to a happy and unforgettable carnival season – Alaaf!
Responsible for the content of this article are Hania Eid and Malak Mostafa.
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