Carnival starts on November 11 in Germany

On the 11th day of the 11th month the carnival strongholds in the Rhineland, especially Cologne, Bonn, Dusseldorf, Aachen and Mainz, all launch carnival season. In Cologne, 10,000 people gather at Heumarkt square. Many come from all over the region and the country. In other areas of Cologne, alternative events are also held.

These are also typical carnival scenes. Extra ambulances and paramedics are needed, because there are many people who drink so much that they're already too drunk in the early afternoon.

A famous local band, the Bläck Fööss, decided not to play at the official Cologne carnival this year, claiming it has lost its traditional "Kölsch" spirit. They will be playing at a smaller event instead.

As of January, carnival clubs organize shows and masked balls. In Cologne, these events are loud and hearty, whereas a more intellectual atmosphere rules in Mainz, where political humor is part of the tradition. Just as traditional there are these "court's singers," a serious choir of men - all dressed in clown costumes.

No city in the world celebrates carnival like Cologne. New songs are invented for carnival season every year. The singing tour "Loss mer singe" (LMS) is an evening where everyone can learn these new songs. A Kölsch pub in Berlin, "Ständige Vertretung," also holds a preparatory evening to practice them.

These giants heads, called "Schwellköpp" (swollen heads) in Mainz, are part of the carnival parade and depict the features of public personalities and politicians of the city.

Each carnival city has new rulers every year. In most of them, it is a duo of princes. In Cologne, it is the "Dreigestirn," the trio of fools. Even though a virgin is among them, these characters are all held by men - and they're rich ones. It can cost up to 100,000 euros ($110,000) to become the Prince of the year in Cologne, whereas the position can be snapped up for 75,000 euros in Dusseldorf.

The jester of Dusseldorf, called "Hoppeditz," is awoken every year on the 11th of the 11th month. He comes out of a pot of mustard and holds a little speech, after which the mayor of the city may or may not be allowed to answer back. The figure of the Hoppeditz is burned on Ash Wednesday.

During carnival week, the Nubbel hangs over the entrances of the pubs of Cologne. The straw man is held responsible for all carnival sins and misfortunes. On the eve of Ash Wednesday, a ceremony is held at midnight and the doll is burned.