The street carnival reaches its climax on Rose Monday as grand parades take over cities like Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. In Cologne, the largest parade kicked off in the morning, boasting around 11,500 participants, 60 marching bands, and 21 satirical floats. Mainz's parade also launched promptly at 11:11 AM, continuing a cherished tradition of revelry and celebration.

A notable highlight this year is the anticipation surrounding the Düsseldorf floats, which draw added attention due to the ongoing legal issues of float designer Jacques Tilly in Russia. Remarkably, Vladimir Putin is featured three times on floats in Düsseldorf, with one showcasing him piloting a blue drone labeled "AfD." Another float depicts a caricature of both Putin and US President Donald Trump, depicted as they consume Europe. This commentary on global politics adds a provocative element to the festivities.

The events showcase not just local customs, but also reflect significant geopolitical tensions through satire, ensuring that this year's carnival is as much a reflection of contemporary issues as it is a celebration of culture. The combination of humor and critique during the carnival makes it a unique socio-political commentary while maintaining its essence as a festive occasion.