Germany's Rhineland kicks off Carnival season

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, thousands of people dressed in flashy costumes celebrated the start of the "fifth season." The revelers came down from other parts of Germany as well as other countries.

Since the November 11 start date falls on Saturday this year, more people are expected to hit the streets and pubs and party until late in the night. Authorities have beefed up security in the main Carnival cities, with police patrolling the streets.

The western city of Cologne is known for its festive spirit. People here create new songs for Carnival season every year. By 9 a.m. (0800 UTC), Cologne's Heumarkt is already bustling with Carnival revelers. Together they count down the last few seconds to 11:11 a.m. when Carnival officially begins. The local beer, Kölsch, flows abundantly as people shout "Kölle Alaaf" (Here's to Cologne!).

In the city of Mainz, Carnival season opens with cries of the Carnival call "Helau!" and the Narhallamarsch, a traditional German carnival tune. The "Narrancharta," or "jester's charter" is read, followed by colorful stage performances. The city's Carnival is known for its political and literary influences, with satirical caricatures often featuring on the floats of February's Carnival procession.

In Düsseldorf, the resurrection of the jester Hoppeditz marks the start of Carnival, with cheers of "Der Hoppeditz erwacht!," which means "Hoppeditz is waking up!" To raucous crowds, he climbs out of a mustard pot at 11:11. The Düsseldorf locals then demonstrate why their city holds the title of "longest bar in the world" and continue to party on in the many inns and pubs.

Events celebrating Carnival will now continue through February 2018 in the run-up to Lent, when Christians fast and repent for their sins.