The carnival season is expected to generate revenues of up to 2 billion euros.
The carnival season in Germany is expected to generate revenues of around 2 billion euros, proving that a shorter celebration period can still provide a strong boost to the national economy.
According to the Institut der deutschen Wirtschaft – IW (German Economic Institute), celebrations will once again drive consumer spending strongly across several sectors. The carnival, known for its lavish displays before Lent, is one of the most significant cultural events with economic impact in the country.
The celebrations peak on Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), especially in the western Rhineland region. Restaurants and bars are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries, as the hospitality sector alone is projected to generate around 900 million euros during the carnival period.
Retailers will also benefit, with spending on sweets, fashion, and carnival accessories expected to reach around 400 million euros. Public transport companies may see an increase in revenues of about 290 million euros, while hotels are expected to add another 162 million euros.
Köln (Cologne) is expected to be the biggest beneficiary among carnival cities, with revenues estimated at around 850 million euros, accounting for more than 40% of the national total. Hotel prices have risen significantly, with the cost of staying for one night during peak days increasing by about 90 euros, which is an increase of nearly 66%. Despite strong forecasts, total revenues are likely to fall by about 100 million euros compared to last year due to the short season, which is determined by the timing of Easter. This year, it started as usual at 11:11 AM on November 11 of the previous year but will end early because Easter falls unusually early.