Carnival season in Germany includes Women's Carnival, Shrove Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. It is not a nationwide public holiday, but it can strongly affect schools, parades, hospitality and local closures.
Carnival 2026 includes these dates: Women's Carnival: ; Shrove Monday: ; Shrove Tuesday: ; Ash Wednesday: . Not a nationwide public holiday. Local events, schools or employers may still have their own arrangements.
School-free days and events vary strongly by city, state and school.
In Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz and other carnival centres, city centres, public transport and parking can work very differently.
Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday are not nationwide days off. Time off comes from local rules, employers, schools or leave.
The period often sits near winter breaks or movable school-free days, so the state calendar remains important.
Women's Carnival, Shrove Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday mark the key carnival dates before Lent. Schools, municipalities and organizers determine the local schedule and practical effects.
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