Karneval begins in Rhineland
On November 11, at 11:11am, the "silly season" begins each year in Germany's western regions. It's a colorful taste of things to come in February, when the party really gets started!
Kölle Alaaf!!!
Shouting their regional carnival greeting "Alaaf!" Cologne carnival lovers got their first chance to parade this year's costumes in bright sunlight.
"Zokunf. Mer spingkse wat kütt"
...which is Cologne dialect and translates as "Future. We take a peek at what is coming" - that's this year's motto for a city which is famous for its relaxed approach to life.
Avatars on the streets
Some carnival fans prefer more imaginative costumes to the standard red clown's nose.
Düsseldorf Helau!!!
Cologne and its neighboring city Dusseldorf nurture many a fine rivalry. Beware: Even their carnival greetings are not the same - don't shout the wrong one!
Going wild - once a year
On November 11 people mark the official start of "the fifth season" of controlled raucous fun. It reaches its climax in February before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent - with hundreds of thousands of tourists flocking to the Rhineland.