It is customary for the Rheinischer Verein to elect a Prinz to reign over the festivities of the Karneval season. A new Prinz is elected each Karneval and is crowned at the beginning of the season, which officially begins November 11th, at 11:11 in the evening. He then officiates over all Karneval celebrations of Rheinischer Verein Chicago. In addition, he may choose to have a Prinzessin and an entourage of people that will help both the Prinz and Prinzessin during their reign.