Carnival in Pictures
Carnival Royalty
Munich's Carnival Princess Sandra II and Prince Peter III were coronated on November 11 at the city hall at Marienplatz. The royal duo have plenty of appearances to make now that carnival is in full swing.
You Say Helau...
And I say "alaaf!" A Cologne carnival enthusiast wears a button with a strike through the word "helau," the carnival greeting of rival city Duesseldorf.
Snip, Snip
Two carnivalistas in Duesseldorf get ready to cut some ties, literally, on Altweiberfastnacht. The tradition of snipping off men's ties on "Old Women's Day" signals the beginning of the carnival.
If You're Happy And You Know It...
Raise your hands! Residents of Duesseldorf came down to City Hall in droves -- and colorful costumes -- to celebrate the beginning of carnival on Thursday, Feb. 19.
All Pumped Up
These carnival enthusiasts may be trying to play it cool, but clearly they're excited about the carnival celebrations that got underway at 11:11 a.m. in Duesseldorf on Thursday, Feb. 19.
Cutting A Fine Figure
This multi-colored madam in Duesseldorf proves no man is safe on Altweiberfastnacht, the day when women go around town cutting off men's ties to kick off the start of carnival.
Hats Off To Cologne
With carnival in full force in Cologne, Duesseldorf and Mainz, it's still important to show where your local allegiance lies. This woman proves her love for Cologne by wearing a hat sporting a model of the city's famed cathedral.
Medallion Moneymakers
These carnival medallions were painted for the Bad Blankenburger Carnival Club and are a big business. Sachsen Anhalt's only carnival medallion producer has made 9,000 ornaments for this year's celebrations alone.
Partying Like the Chancellor
It seems even German Chancellor Angela Merkel has carnival fever. She greeted a colorful crowd of party-goers at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin on Wednesday, Feb. 18 amid a sea of black, red and gold.