Carnival kickoff in Cologne

November 11, 12:41 PMGermany Travel ExaminerSharon Holton-Schmitt

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Carnival festivities jump started with a bang in Cologne, Germany (Koeln in German) today on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. as costume-clad lovers of the 40-day Lent festival filled the streets to party and party. The official Carnival (known as the fifth season) kickoff party was also celebrated in the neighboring cities of Duesseldorf and Bonn.

Carnival, like Mardi Gras in New Orleans, is steeped in Catholic traditions. In Germany, there is a carnival pause between Advent and Christmas until the New Year, and then the party really heats up during the one week-long street festival, also known as "The Crazy Days".

Rosenmontag (Rose Monday), which takes place before Ash Wednesday, is where you can expect to find over one million costume-clad spectators as well as bands and school groups along the 6.5 kilometer route. Parade goers are fortunate to receive lots of giveaways including German chocolates, other sweets, flowers, and toys.

Unlike Mardi Gras, topless ladies shouting "Throw me something, Mister!" will not receive treats over cute kids and families in costume.

This year's Carnival these is "Kissed in Cologne" so don't be surprised if someone smacks a big one on your face.

Stay tuned for more details on Cologne's coolest event, Carnival! I'll show you how to party with the locals, what to eat, where to buy your costumes, and where to enjoy the party.

Germany travel awaits you, so get packed and go see it!