The annual Tonnenrennen, or wheelbarrow race is a hilarious, traditional neighbourhood activity that seems to have been taking place for a century and a half, or so.

The events in Niederkassel commence around midday on Sunday morning, the day before the traditional carnival procession through Düsseldorf’s city centre.

There is a local procession through a few streets of the district including the oldest narrow street, with popular gastronomy, which commences at just after midday.

The true excitement commences at 2 pm, when the races begin. Enthusiastic youngsters and adults alike run up and down the street pushing their wheelbarrows ahead of them while racing other participants.

Fun is had by all, many spectators attain various degrees of inebriation, while joy and laughter is spread throughout.

It is said that it all goes back to February 2 1880 when the annual Sausage Monday was celebrated. Apparently a gang of young people wearing wild costumes marched through the village pushing wheeled carts They made raucous squeals on all kinds of primitive instruments in front of every house while demanding sausages, eggs or money.

Seven years later, farmer Karl Dahners offered three large taler to the person who could complete the circuit of the village the fastest. The race has been held in various forms on carnival Sunday ever since 1887.

Image: © Tonnengarde Niederkassel 1887 e.V.

History: Tonnengarde Niederkassel