Rhenish cheerfulness – cultivated throughout the county, renowned throughout the world

It is well known that in Rhineland there are not four but five seasons, the extra one being carnival. This cheerfulness is not at all artificial, it is virtually a basic right here. The numerous guests, who take part in the many celebrations between “Hoppeditz-Erwachen” and Ash Wednesday, experience this for themselves.

Rhinelanders join in the celebrations as they come

And because the Rhinelanders have crazy carnival behaviour in their blood, they are in the mood to celebrate all the year round, and in Rhein-Kreis Neuss there are plenty of occasions for this. The old custom of “Schützenfests” is particularly popular. Nowhere else has a larger regiment than the one in Neuss. And the grand Schützenfest procession is an attraction which extends far beyond the borders of the city and county. Year in and year out, Neuss annual fair attracts half a million spectators.

Schützenfest or organ concert, rock, rave or Shakespeare: As you like it

What used to be a festival is now the event. Whichever way you look at it, sociability is high on the list of priorities in Rhein-Kreis Neuss. There are events for every taste.Not only the public festivals and funfairs, but also “serious culture” has its place, classical concerts for example, and great theatre.

For example, Neuss’ Globe theatre, a replica of the historic original, is a famous stage for the popular Shakespeare festival. The title of one of the old master’s plays is an ideal motto for the cultural policy of Rhein-Kreis Neuss, “As you like it”.