Folk festival - Düsseldorf Rhine funfair in the starting blocks
With the Rhine carnival in Düsseldorf, the largest folk festival in North Rhine-Westphalia begins on the Friday afternoon (2:00 PM) of the week before last (14.000 Uhr in mid-June). According to the organizers, over four million visitors are expected during the ten carnival days that run until July 21st. Over 300 booths are set up on the approximately 165,000 square meter festival ground in the Oberkassel district.
Many amusement rides and tents provide fun for young and old on the large festival site. "The Rhine carnival - directly following the European Championship - is another highlight of the year in our city. We are looking forward to celebrating a great festival together with the shooting associations," said Düsseldorf's Mayor Stephan Keller (CDU). "Visitors can expect great amusement rides, a large fireworks display, and other highlights."
Some new attractions
In addition to well-known carousels and roller coasters, there are nine new attractions this year. This includes a flying carousel, a children's roller coaster, and a running game with a five-level course for young and old. "We try to create a mix of new and old attractions every year and have the goal of being a family carnival," said organizer Manfred Kirschenstein.
Every year, there are around 900 applications for the approximately 300 carnival booths. "Of course, we have our standard attractions like the giant Ferris wheel, but the space is limited," reported the organizer. A mobile observation platform is celebrating its world premiere this year. In over 70 meters of height, passengers can enjoy the view over Düsseldorf and the Rhine in glass cabins and listen to information about the city via an audio guide.
Besides the amusement rides, there are also numerous gastronomic offers, including a mobile ice cream company, a chocolate factory, and a wine village. Seven old beer breweries are offering their own booths. "Of course, the showmen notice the increased prices, but it looks like prices will remain roughly stable compared to last year," said Kirschenstein.
Fireworks as a highlight
The over 700-year-old St. Sebastianus Shooting Association is celebrating the name day of its patron saint, St. Apollinaris (July 23rd). The "Historical Parade" on July 14th is worth seeing, with over 3,000 uniformed shooters and music bands, making it one of the largest in Germany. The large carnival fireworks display takes place on the last carnival Friday (July 19, 2024) at 10:30 PM.
The city of Düsseldorf recommends using public transportation for travel to and from the carnival grounds. No parking spaces are available in the immediate vicinity of the carnival grounds. There will be an increased offering on all lines during the ten days, which goes beyond the regular schedule. In peak hours, the trains will run every two minutes to the Luegplatz stop at the carnival grounds. Additionally, buses and trains will be in operation in neighboring cities throughout the night and at short intervals.
- The Rhine carnival in Düsseldorf, which begins prior to the European Championship, is a significant leisure time event in North Rhine-Westphalia, attracting over four million visitors.
- Stephan Keller, the Mayor of Düsseldorf, representing the CDU, expressed excitement for the upcoming Rhine carnival, stating it's another yearly highlight.
- Manfred Kirschenstein, the organizer, mentioned that in addition to traditional rides like carousels and roller coasters, there are nine new attractions this year, including a flying carousel and a running game.
- Showmen are aware of the increased prices in the carnival, but according to the organizer, prices are expected to remain relatively stable compared to the previous year.
- The St. Sebastianus Shooting Association will be celebrating Saint Apollinaris' name day with a historical parade featuring over 3,000 shooters, making it one of Germany's largest.
- Prefer public transportation for carnival travel, as parking spaces are not readily available near the grounds. The city will offer extended transport services during the ten-day festival, ensuring frequent arrivals at Luegplatz stop.
