SHOTLIST:

COLOGNE, GERMANY (NOV. 11, 2025) (ANADOLU – ACCESS ALL)

1. SECURITY FORCES TAKING MEASURES BEFORE CARNIVAL START (TWO SHOTS)

2. VARIOUS OF PEOPLE GATHERING FOR COUNTDOWN COLOGNE, GERMANY - NOV. 11, 2025: The annual carnival season of Germany, known as “5th Season”, began with various events in major cities, including Cologne, Dusseldorf, and Mainz on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The carnival traditionally starts in Germany every year on November 11 at 11:11 a.m. local time.

This year, favorable weather conditions and sunshine boosted participant numbers.

In Cologne, where carnival season thrives most, tens of thousands of people gathered in areas such as Heumarkt Square, around historic Cologne Cathedral, and Zulpicher Square, counting down from 11 in unison to launch the season.

Participants assembled in front of the historic town hall, dressed in colorful costumes, and sang carnival songs together.

Carnival represents a tradition specific to the Catholic community living around the Rhine Basin.

Carnival season in Germany will peak on February 16, 2026, with a large parade called “Rosenmontag” (Rose Monday), and end on February 18, 2026, on the day called “Aschermittwoch” (Ash Wednesday).

Following carnival, the traditional fasting period known as “Fastenzeit” will commence.