Rosenmontag is celebrated in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium (Eupen, Kelmis), but most heavily in the carnival strongholds which include the Rhineland, especially in Cologne,[3] Bonn, Düsseldorf,[4] Aachen and Mainz.

Karneval derives from the Latin carnem levare ("taking leave of meat") marking the beginning of Lent.

[6] Carnival is not a national holiday in Germany, but schools are closed on Rosenmontag and the following Tuesday in the strongholds and many other areas.

[citation needed] Celebrations usually include dressing up in fancy costumes, dancing, parades, heavy drinking and general public displays with floats.

Every town in the Karneval areas boasts at least one parade with floats making fun of the themes of the day.