The selection process at the Cologne-style brewery and pub “Der Landgraf” in Peking was harsh and the competition highly motivated. Specialist knowledge was required from contestants at the competition for the first Chinese-Colognian Carnival princess: What type of beer do they drink in Cologne? Do they shout “Kölle Alaaf” or “Kölle Helau”? Do the Rhineland people celebrate Rose Monday or Tulip Tuesday? Alongside in-depth knowledge on Rhineland customs, contestants for the title of Royal Princess were also expected to present themselves in as original a costume as possible.

With a winning combination of the right answers and a glittering dress borrowed from the Peking Opera, Wang Hongmei outrivaled her many fellow contestants. As the very first Carnival beauty from China, the 27 year old was therefore granted the honour of attending the 2008 “tolle Tage” (crazy days) in Cologne, together with a maid in waiting. “I just can’t wait for Carnival in Rhineland,” exclaimed a thrilled Wang Hongmei following the jury’s decision, “because everyone wears fabulous, colourful costumes.”

Once in Cologne, important official duties awaited the newly crowned monarch from the Far East. She attended a reception at the cathedral city’s town hall, visited the Carnival Museum and took part in costumed Carnival sessions – some of which took place in the legendary festive hall “Gürzenich”. She also met with the reigning “Dreigestirn”, the Guard of Honour and the “Roten Funken” (“Red Sparks”) – the oldest Carnival club in a region considered to be the stronghold of Carnival enthusiasm. Following a stay in the historical pub “Gaffel”, where refreshment was provided in the form of traditional Kölsch beer, she was taken to celebrate “Altweiber”. This day marks the behinning of the Carnival’s peak phase and calls on everyone to go out and get up to tomfoolery in the old part of the city.

From her place on the honorary tribune, Hongmei I experienced the highlight of the Cologne Carnival, the grand parade on Rose Monday or “Rosenmontagszug”, together with the city’s mayor Fritz Schramma. In an adaptation of the song “Stammbaum” by the famous Cologne band “Bläck Föös”, she spoke a verse in Chinese before the cameras: “We travelled the long distance from China to be here, to celebrate together – because today we all speak one language.”

The princess very obviously enjoyed the enormous party. Hongmei marched, danced and celebrated to her heart’s content: “The atmosphere here in so fun and carefree!” She even got used to the traditional “Bützen” (the sharing of kisses among “Narren”) relatively quickly: “The people here are so lovely and open. I am enjoying every second. I can always sleep later.”

This unusual cultural exchange was the brainchild of Guido Molsner und Fritz Jäckel, both economic ambassadors for the city of Cologne. Molsner has been working for Siemens in China since 2005. Fritz Jäckel, together with his Chinese business partner Cheng Yu, runs the Cologne-style brewery and pub “Der Landgraf”, an institution promoting Cologne culture in Peking. Here, guests can partake of freshly drawn Kölsch and traditional Rhine cookery. “This is our way of raising awareness here in China”, commented “missionary” Jäckel with a wink.

Information on the Cologne Carnival

Karneval (Carnival) = the Carnival season in the Rhineland begins on 11 November, at 11:11 o’clock. The street Carnival in February begins on “Altweiber“ and ends six days later on Ash Wednesday. During this period, events such as Carnival parades and costumed Carnival sessions take place. Participants traditionally turn up in costume. Köln is considered the Carnival stronghold.
Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) = over one million people a year experience the extensive parade that is the highlight of every Carnival season. The parade, which consists of around 120 floats that roll through the city, is given a new theme every year. Topics from the worlds of politics, sport and finance are parodied here. The grand parade on Rose Monday in Cologne is the largest of its kind in Germany.
Altweiber = marks the beginning of the street Carnival
Aschermittwoch (Ash Wednesday) = marks the end of the Carnival period
Narren / Jecken = Carnival participants
Kölle Alaaf = cry with which Carnival participants call to one another
Dreigestirn = the most senior Carnival representatives. The “Triumvirate”, consists of three costumed characters: prince, farmer and damsel
Bützen = the sharing of kisses at Carnival
Schunkeln = rhythmic movement in time with the music. Participants link arms and sway back and forth on the spot.
Kamelle = the sweets and little presents that are thrown into the public during Carnival parades