Jeck op Deck

A costume party at the LGBTQIA+ carnival

A festive mood on the banks of the Rhine in the Altstadt (Old Town): Jeck op Deck — “All Clowns on Deck” — is always held before the Carnival weekend. All the same, it has long enjoyed cult status as part of Carnival in Cologne. That’s because it’s a huge costume party organized by StattGarde Colonia Ahoj.

This mega-party is in fact launched on a ship — the MS RheinEnergie on the banks of the Old Town. There are performances by the ship’s brass band, sea shanty choruses and dance groups — and about 1,500 guests exuberantly celebrate a pink Carnival party. The highlight is an appearance by the Carnival triumvirate, including the Maiden. Are you raring to dance the night away in a sailor costume? If your answer is yes, you’ll be in the right place!

About StattGarde Colonia Ahoj

This association with a maritime flair was founded relatively recently in 2003, but since then it has nonetheless managed to become a member of the festival committee of Carnival in Cologne. The StattGarde also marches in Cologne’s Rose Monday parade — and is a firmly established component of the city’s Pink Carnival.

The association’s active members, who wear blue-and-white uniforms, are a popular sight during Carnival and perform as many as 100 shows during the Carnival season. Their stage show is spectacular, with the main focus on the dance groups. In addition to “All Clowns on Deck,” the StattGarde also organizes other events that are part and parcel of Cologne’s Carnival celebrations, including the Captain’s Dinner, the Ladies’ Party, and the Sailors’ Party.