It’s the start of carnival season in the German city of Cologne, and thousands of party-goers are taking to the streets. The highlight of the six-day festival is the Rose Monday parade which will be held next week in the city.
They counted down the seconds...
And at exactly 11 minutes past 11 the party got going.
Thousands of revelers took to the streets of the German city of Cologne on Thursday to celebrate the start of carnival season.
Wearing a mix of brightly colored outfits - they swayed to traditional carnival ballads and brass bands and enjoyed the local "Kölsch" beer.
Many had only one thing on their mind.
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“Party, party and then drink!"
The party stronghold of Cologne virtually closes down for the six day festival - with only pubs and clubs still open to customers.
It's one of three German carnival cities - alongside Dusseldorf and Mainz.
The highlight is the so-called Rose Monday parade next week - which snakes its way through the city center.
But for the lesser party animals - life should be back to normal by Ash Wednesday.
