Cologne triumvirate 2026: Alaaaf for volunteering and community!

Cologne triumvirate 2026: Alaaaf for volunteering and community!

On July 4th, 2025 it will be official: The Cologne triumvirate for the 2026 carnival session has been determined and is already causing happy faces in the cathedral city. The Prince, the Farmer and the Maiden were introduced at a celebratory performance in the venerable rooms of the Cologne-Brück Volunteer Fire Department, which had a special stage to mark its 120th anniversary. Prince Niklas I. (Niklas Jüngling), farmer Clemens (Clemens von Blanckart) and virgin Aenne (Stefan Blatt) will bring the good news of the carnival to the city. All three are members of the respected Prinzen-Garde Köln 1906 e.V. and bring a lot of tradition and passion to the upcoming session.

With their motto “ALAAF – Mer dun et för Kölle”, the organizers place a clear focus on the tireless efforts of the volunteers who form the backbone of the Cologne community. Christoph Kuckelkorn, President of the Cologne Carnival Festival Committee, emphasizes the importance of these silent heroes, who are active in many areas and help shape city life. “Volunteers are often active where government agencies are not present,” says Kuckelkorn. This message is supported by the number of around 200,000 committed Cologne residents who work in sports clubs, churches and charitable organizations. A thank you to these people is more than appropriate, because they ensure that life in Cologne remains colorful every day - and not just during Carnival.

Volunteering is the focus

But what exactly does the motto “ALAAF – Mer dun et för Kölle” mean for the population? It's about celebrating the diversity of volunteer work in the city and showing respect for everyone who is active in clubs or groups. The Cologne carnival community is not only involved in its own organization, but also in various areas of city society. The many volunteer carnivalists not only organize the lavish meetings and the large Rose Monday procession, but also numerous small events as part of the school and parish carnival as well as around 50 Veedel parades.

Another focus is on the parents, who often work behind the scenes, tailoring costumes and making carnival floats. They all contribute to the colorful diversity of customs and are an indispensable part of the Cologne Carnival. “We want to show appreciation for this great work,” emphasizes Kuckelkorn. After all, the Cologne Carnival is not just a celebration, but also an opportunity to strengthen the togetherness of the people of Cologne.

A colorful triumvirate

At 32, Prince Niklas I brings a breath of fresh air into these foolish times, while farmer Clemens (41) and Virgo Aenne (40) shine with their experiences. Niklas Jüngling works as a sales manager and is known as the moderator of the “Prinzenschwof” event series. Clemens von Blanckart, family man and active standard bearer of the Corps à la Suite, also brings a lot of passion, while Virgo Aenne is active in the foot corps and his name is a beautiful homage to his grandmother. These three personalities will not only increase the anticipation of the carnival, but also bring the values ​​of community and commitment to the fore.

Overall, a promising triumvirate that should bring the city a lot of joy in the 2026 session. And who knows, perhaps this special attention to volunteer work will make the carnival session an unforgettable experience in Cologne again. “ALAAF – Mer dun et för Kölle!” – a motto that not only stands for happiness, but also for gratitude and respect.