VIII. Gay Games Cologne 2010

Cologne is one of the largest and most popular towns in Germany. The Cathedral, the Rhine, the museums and numerous events all attract almost 100 million visitors every year. Most of them are greatly impressed by the “savoir vivre“, the way of life that the residents always like to radiate. The people of Cologne love their city and that is noticeable. The loyalty of the residents to their home is not experienced and celebrated quite as much in any other town. No other major city has so many songs and so many bands that sing about and celebrate their home in the Cologne „native tongue”: „Hey Kölle – do bes e Jeföhl“.

The concerts of these groups and bands, at the forefront of all „BAP“, „Bläck Fööss“ or „De Höhner“ – who are known and loved far beyond the boundaries of Cologne– fill the gigantic Kölnarena and other large halls in the city. And the songs are not only sung at Carneval time. Whether football with 1. FC Köln, ice hockey matches of the “Haie“, New Years’ Eve parties or town fetes – every party automatically ends with one or more hymns dedicated to the city.

Great emotions are also shown for the local football club: The loyalty of the 1. FC Köln fans for their club is legendary, the number of visitors for the home games – and especially when times were not so good – is a record.

Most of the Cologne people are literally moved to tears when they see the towers of the Cathedral again from a distance after travelling. Cynics sometimes call that “Kölntümelei“. But it is a fact that many people have enjoyed being infected by it. It is no coincidence that Cologne is so popular with prominent artists and members of the media, and that many move here.

The people of Cologne are down to earth, sometimes a bit cheeky, extremely communicative and tolerant with a positive attitude towards life and the rest of the world. This is also expressed in the Kölsch phrases, which are now and again applied to suit the occasion: “Et hätt noch immer jot jejange“ is one of them, or “Jeder Jeck is anders“, which is an expression of the Cologne tolerance.

It is no coincidence that Cologne is also an important centre of activities for homosexuals and the capital of German Carneval. Especially in the “fifth season”, the people of Cologne really live life to the full, differences have no significance – everyone celebrates and drinks together.

That can best be done in the typical Cologne breweries where the atmosphere of down to earth communication can be experienced first hand. The local beer “Kölsch“ is poured as quickly as it is drunk, the barmen, called “Köbes“, throw in cheeky comments, managers sit next to builders, locals next to tourists. And then the motto is: “Drink doch eine mit“, yet another of the most typical and popular phrases.

That is perhaps when the guest notices this “feeling“, taking part in this simple but important way of life, and can guess how easy it is to be human in this city. Such a feeling is infectious and inviting. The best thing is to try out oneself what it really means: