Carnival in Cologne: crazy days
In March, when Cologne and Bonn city centers are full of life-sized pink fluffy bunnies, toadstools and devils instead of busy office workers or strolling shopping divas, it´s that time of year again.
It´s the "fifth season" as pre-Lent carnival festivities are known in Rhineland, where the tradition still has a strong foothold.
The street festivals turn the two cities on their heads and traditionally start on Weiberfastnacht (Womens Carnival Day), which takes place on the Thursday before Rosenmontag (Shrove Monday).
