• What's special about Cologne
• Cologne Cathedral
• Cologne carnival
• Art and culture in Cologne
• Liquid gold - Kölsch
• Christopher Street Day

What is special about the city of Cologne compared to other cities in Germany?

Cologne is a city with a rich history and culture that distinguishes it from many other cities in Germany. Here are some features that distinguish Cologne and have contributed to its popularity:

1. Cologne Cathedral: The Cologne Cathedral is one of the most famous landmarks in Germany and one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. It is not only an important religious centre, but also an important part of Cologne's identity.
2. Carnival: Cologne is famous for its carnival, which takes place every year in February. It is one of the largest carnival celebrations in the world and attracts people from all over the world.
3. Rhine: The River Rhine flows through Cologne and shapes the life of the city. The river not only provides a picturesque backdrop, but it is also a significant trade route and transportation route.
4. Kölsch: Kölsch is a regional beer brewed only in Cologne and the surrounding area. It is an essential part of Cologne's culture and is served in many pubs and restaurants in the city.
5. Arts and Culture: Cologne has a rich arts and culture scene with many museums, galleries, and theatres. The city is also known for its music scene, especially electronic music.
6. Openness and tolerance: Cologne has a reputation as an open and tolerant city that welcomes people from all over the world. This is reflected in the city's vibrant diversity.

These are just a few points that make Cologne a unique city for locals, newcomers, and tourists.

© Kenji-T. Nishino

What are the most important facts and figures about Cologne Cathedral?

Since the Cologne Cathedral is a tourist magnet and landmark of the city, here are some of the most important facts and figures about the Cologne Cathedral:[1].

1. Height: Cologne Cathedral is 157 meters high, which makes it the second highest church building in Europe and the third highest in the world. From 1880 to 1884, the cathedral was the tallest structure in the world. Today, Cologne Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the Gothic architectural style.
2. Construction time: The construction of the Cologne Cathedral began in 1248 and amounts to a total of 632 years. It was “completed” in 1880. Only, the cathedral is never finished, because the ravages of time gnaw incessantly on trachyte and sandstone by acid rain, air pollution and bird droppings. Accordingly, scaffolding is always hanging somewhere on the Gothic mountain. Good thing, because as long as the cathedral is being built, the world will not end. So say the people of Cologne.[2]
3. Size: the cathedral has a base area of around 8,000 square meters and a total area of 10,000 square meters.
4. Weight: Cologne Cathedral weighs an estimated 170,000 tons.
5. Visitor numbers: Cologne Cathedral is one of the most visited landmarks in Germany and attracts millions of tourists every year.
6. Treasures: Inside the cathedral are numerous art treasures and relics, including the famous shrine of the Epiphany, considered one of the most important reliquaries of the Middle Ages.
7. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Cologne Cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

These facts and figures give an idea of the impressive size and importance of Cologne Cathedral.

[1] https://www.varta-guide.de/freizeit-guide/freizeit-ideen/der-koelner-dom-kathedrale-der-superlative/

[2] https://www.sueddeutsche.de/kultur/baugeschichte-niemals-wird-er-fertig-sein-1.3551625

© Kenji-T. Nishino

What is the origin and meaning of the Cologne Carnival?

The origin of Cologne's Carnival is not clear, but it is believed to have originated from pagan spring and harvest festivals and Christian customs. In Roman antiquity, for example, the Saturnalia were celebrated in February, which were associated with many elements of today's carnival, such as masks, parades, and celebrations.

In the Middle Ages, carnival developed in many European cities as a way to compensate for the restrictive rules and hierarchies of everyday life. During carnival time, social roles were turned upside down and there was a temporary free space for mockery, criticism, and parody. The merry street carnival was joined in the 18th century by the so-called “Redoute” based on the Venetian model, boisterous masquerade and costume balls that were initially reserved for the nobility and the wealthy bourgeoisie.[1]

In Cologne, Carnival has a special significance and tradition. The first documented mention of carnival in Cologne dates back to 1341, when the city government first authorized a carnival procession. Over the centuries, Cologne Carnival has developed into one of the largest and most famous carnival celebrations in the world. The Venetian influences in the 18th century were joined less than 50 years later by the influences of the French Revolutionary troops. Finally, the Prussians put Cologne Carnival through a firm order by founding the festive committee in 1823,[2]

Cologne Carnival has a strong local identity and significance. During the carnival season, the “Jecken”, as the carnivalists call themselves, take the sceptre in the city for a few days and celebrate exuberantly with parades, music, dancing, and carnival speeches. It is a time of community, cohesion, and joy that strengthens and shapes Cologne's identity.

[1] https://www.stadt-koeln.de/artikel/05206/index.html

[2] ibid.

What distinguishes the art and culture scene in Cologne?

Cologne has a rich and diverse arts and culture scene that has many distinctive features. Here are some features that distinguish the art and culture scene in Cologne:

1. Modern Art: Cologne is an important place for modern art and has numerous galleries and museums specializing in contemporary art. The city also hosts ART Cologne, one of the oldest and most influential art fairs in the world.
2. Music: Cologne's music scene is more colourful and diverse than almost anywhere else. Established, traditional institutions and ensembles of all genres and an extremely vital “free” scene complement and stimulate each other. In sum, this results in a musical “biotope” in which both tradition is cultivated, and new things are created and promoted.
3. Classical music: In addition to the Gürzenich Orchestra, which goes back to the cathedral orchestra founded in the 15th century, Cologne is also home to the somewhat younger WDR Symphony Orchestra. Both have their venues in the Cologne Philharmonic Hall, where several works of the most important composers have been premiered.
4. The famous “Studio für elektronische Musik” (Studio for Electronic Music) is also based at the Cologne WDR, where such important composers as Karl Heinz Stockhausen and Mauricio Kagel have performed.[1
5. Festivals: c/o pop, Cologne's urban festival for music, indie and pop culture, attracts visitors to the Cathedral City with newcomers and stars.[2]
6. Theatre: Cologne has a wide range of theatre and performance venues, from large theatres like the Schauspielhaus Köln to smaller, experimental stages like the Orangerie Theater.
7. Literature: Cologne has a lively literary scene with many readings, bookshops and events. A highlight is the annual lit.Cologne, an international literature festival with renowned authors and readings in various languages.[3]
8. Film: Cologne has a long tradition in film and hosts the International Women's Film Festival[4] as well as the renowned film festival “Cologne Conference.”[5]
9. Carnival: Cologne Carnival is also part of the city's cultural and arts scene. During the carnival season, there are many events that feature music, dance, and costumes.

The art and culture scene in Cologne is very lively, dynamic and diverse and offers something for everyone. The city has a strong artistic and cultural identity that is appreciated by locals and visitors alike.

[1] https://www.cityinfo-koeln.de/php/musik,48.html

[2] https://c-o-pop.de/festival/#

[3] https://www.litcologne.de/

[4] https://frauenfilmfest.com/

[5] https://filmfestival.cologne/programm-2022

© Kenji-T. Nishino

What distinguishes Kölsch from other beers? What makes Kölsch special?

Kölsch is a top-fermented beer traditionally brewed in the city of Cologne and its surroundings. There are some characteristics that distinguish Kölsch from other beers and make it special:

1. Taste: Kölsch has a mild, fresh taste and a slight hop bitterness. It is a very refreshing beer that is often drunk in the summer.
2. Serving style: Kölsch is traditionally served in slim, cylindrical glasses with a capacity of 0.2 litres. In many pubs in Cologne, Kölsch is drawn directly from the barrel and carried around the room on trays by waiters known as “Köbes.”
3. Production process: Kölsch is brewed with special yeasts and undergoes a longer ageing period than other beers. It is also fermented at lower temperatures, resulting in a cleaner taste.
4. Special top-fermenting yeast is used for Kölsch, which requires temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius to ferment. This floats to the top after the brewing process and can simply be skimmed off. Surprisingly, even the much darker Alt is a top-fermented beer, while pale Pils is bottom-fermented.
5. Cultural significance: Kölsch has a strong cultural significance for the city of Cologne and its inhabitants. It is often considered part of local identity and tradition, and is an important part of Cologne's pub culture.[1]

Overall, Kölsch is characterized by its mild taste, its special serving method, its elaborate production process, and its cultural significance. These characteristics make it a unique and special beer, appreciated by many people in Cologne and beyond.

[1] https://www.koelntourismus.de/genuss-diversitaet/gastronomie/brauhaeuser

© Kenji-T. Nishino

How is Christopher Street Day celebrated in Cologne?

Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Cologne is one of the biggest LGBT+ festivals in Germany. There are a variety of events and activities that take place in the city during CSD week. Here are some of the most important ones:

Parade: The highlight of the CSD is the big parade that passes through the city centre of Cologne every year. Thousands of people take part to demonstrate for LGBT+ rights. The parade starts at Deutzer Bahnhof and ends at the Cathedral.

Street festival: During the CSD, a large street festival is held in the city centre. Artists perform on several stages and there are numerous booths of organizations and groups committed to LGBT+ rights.

Political events: CSD in Cologne also has a political side. There are discussion panels and lectures on LGBT+ issues given by politicians and activists.

Parties and concerts: During CSD week, there are also numerous parties and concerts. Most of them are specifically geared towards the LGBT+ community and offer a great opportunity to celebrate with like-minded people.

Overall, the CSD in Cologne is a colourful and diverse festival that attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year.

© Kenji-T. Nishino