Carnival Season Kicks Off in Germany
Carnival season begins in Germany on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. In 2011, the stars aligned to create the perfect date for carnival to kick off - 11.11.11.
The epicenter of carnival in Germany is the city of Cologne, which along with Düsseldorf and Mainz forms a traditional trio of carnival "strongholds." But carnival season is also observed in many other German towns and cities.
-
Enlarge image
This reflection on an instrument in Mainz reads "Elfter Elfter Elf Uhr Elf" (Eleventh Eleventh at Eleven'o'clock'Eleven) to mark the precise date and time that the winter carnival season officially begins in Germany. (© dpa - Bildfunk) -
Enlarge image
A group of clowns gets into the carnival spirit in Mainz on November 11, 2011. (© dpa - Bildfunk) -
Enlarge image
Young "Funkmariechen" (girls and young women who perform dance routines during carnival season) at the opening of carnival season in Braunschweig on November 11, 2011. (© dpa - Bildfunk) -
Enlarge image
A woman dressed as E.T. at the Mainz Carnival on November 11, 2011. (© picture-alliance/dpa) -
Enlarge image
A local "Funkbrigade" kicks off carnival season in Cottbus, Germany, on November 11, 2011. (© picture-alliance/ZB)
