The carnival season in Germany – also called the “Fifth Season” – officially began yesterday at 11.11 a.m.

In this magic hour, the “Council of Eleven” came together to plan the events for the upcoming festivities. The official hats of the councils’ members: Colourful fool’s caps with little bells.

The actual celebrations of the German carnival take place 40 days before Easter; they are the last big party before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent.

The celebrations kick off with “Women’s Carnival” on Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Ladies, this is your day: You can kiss any man you like after cutting off his tie.

The next highlight is Rose Monday: Marching bands, dancers, and floats parade down the streets, throwing confetti, sweets, and toys. The elaborate floats often show caricatured figures mocking politicians and other personalities.

Thousands of dressed-up Germans are flocking the streets every year to watch this spectacle.

On Shrove Tuesday, costume balls are held all over Germany, while the quiet Ash Wednesday marks the end of the frenzied fun.

Yesterday, mainly in the Rhine region and Dusseldorf, carnival revellers across the country and mainly the Rhine region celebrated the launch of the carnival season.

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