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.<br /><br />They counted down the seconds...<br /><br />And at exactly 11 minutes past 11 the party got going.<br /><br />Thousands of revelers took to the streets of the German city of Cologne on Thursday to celebrate the start of carnival season.<br /><br />Wearing a mix of brightly colored outfits - they swayed to traditional carnival ballads and brass bands and enjoyed the local "Kölsch" beer.<br /><br />Many had only one thing on their mind.<br /><br />(no title bar)<br />“Party, party and then drink!"<br /><br />The party stronghold of Cologne virtually closes down for the six day festival - with only pubs and clubs still open to customers.<br /><br />It's one of three German carnival cities - alongside Dusseldorf and Mainz.<br /><br />The highlight is the so-called Rose Monday parade next week - which snakes its way through the city center.<br /><br />But for the lesser party animals - life should be back to normal by Ash Wednesday.
