Düsseldorf is Germany’s highest earning advertising and fashion location as well as a carnival stronghold, a cultural center and a garden city. From the impressive Königsallee shopping boulevard to the old town, known as the world’s longest bar, the city on the Rhine has many faces and local people are proud of their home.
Punctually, at 11.11 am on Nov. 11, the jester Hoppeditz awakens, bringing to life the carnival season.
Highlight is the Shrove Monday procession with its decorated floats, from which ´fools´shouting "Helau" (the local carnival greeting) throw Kamelle (sweets) at the crowds.
The parade is televised every year, giving it national prominence.
Düsseldorf citizens don’t just show their close connection to their city during Carnival season, but also during longestablished events such as the Größte Kirmes am Rhein or during traditions such as the Radschlägerturnier (cartwheel contest), which sees hundreds of children competing against each other every summer.
The street festival dates back to 1288 when Düsseldorf received its town charter and chlidren are supposed to have turned cartwheels to express their joy.
The affection of Düsseldorf natives for their home, which they fondly call the "Rheinmetropole" (Rhine metropolis) is still omnipresent today.
