Cologne’s annual Carnival, culminating in the Rose Monday Parade on February 16, is preparing to deliver its signature blend of satire and spectacle. The parade, featuring 120 floats – including the central “persiflage floats” – will once again target prominent political figures and social issues with pointed humor.
Donald Trump in the Crosshairs
Parade director Marc Michelske previewed sketches of four floats, one of which depicts former U.S. President Donald Trump gazing into a mirror, his rear exposed and adorned with kiss marks. According to Michelske, the imagery is a direct response to Trump’s own statements, referencing his claim that “They’re kissing my ass.” The kiss marks themselves bear the names of organizations and individuals including the European Union, FIFA, the United Nations, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Michelske explained that the float aims to represent Trump’s tendency to “hit below the belt,” characterizing it as a low blow for a U.S. president. He oversees the planning and construction of these satirical floats, alongside a creative team and numerous assistants, while also managing safety protocols for the parade.
Beyond Trump: A Broader Critique
The parade’s satire extends beyond the former U.S. president. A float featuring a large blue cobra is intended as a condemnation of Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. The cobra, modeled after the character Kaa from Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book, is depicted wrapping itself around a young person, symbolizing what Michelske describes as a hypnotic influence. He emphasized the importance of engaging with those drawn to the AfD’s promises, stating, “You have to talk to these people, not just denounce them.”
Other floats address contemporary issues such as the potential reinstatement of compulsory military service in Germany, depicted through a boy wearing a military helmet with a cell phone, and U.S. tariffs, symbolized by a guillotine with an American flag blade.
Solidarity with Satirists and a Focus on Volunteers
While Cologne presents its float designs in advance, the Düsseldorf Carnival keeps its creations secret until the day of the parade. Jacques Tilly, a float builder in Düsseldorf, has faced legal challenges for his satirical work, including a case brought by the Russian state. Cologne organizers have expressed solidarity with Tilly, stating, “fools must be free.”
This year’s parade motto, “Mer dun et för Kölle,” meaning “We do it for Cologne,” honors the city’s volunteers, particularly those involved in the Carnival. A group of 250 volunteer singers and a 50-piece orchestra will lead the parade, adding a musical element to the satirical display.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are “persiflage floats?”
“Persiflage floats” are the centerpiece of the Cologne Rose Monday Parade. They are satirical floats designed to mock and critique current events, politicians, and social issues through humor and artistic expression.
Which political figures are being targeted this year?
Donald Trump is a central target, with a float depicting him in a deliberately unflattering manner. The float also references the European Union, FIFA, the United Nations, German Prime Minister Friedrich Merz, and French President Emmanuel Macron through the imagery of kiss marks.
Why is the AfD party being criticized in a float?
A float featuring a blue cobra is intended to denounce the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, with the snake symbolizing a manipulative influence on young people, drawing a parallel to the character Kaa from The Jungle Book.
As the Rose Monday Parade approaches, it remains to be seen how the public will respond to these provocative displays. It is possible that the floats will spark debate and discussion, or that they will be met with widespread approval. The parade could also draw criticism from those who feel the satire is too harsh or unfair.
