Germany celebrates start of carnival season

Celebrations started at 11.11am with cities in the west of the country the focus of the celebrations.

Cologne, Mainz and Düsseldorf all took centre stage with thousands of people gathering outside Düsseldorf’s city hall under clear skies to mark the opening.

CLICK HERE for the best photos from Monday's carnivals

Carnival season peaks in January and runs until March 5th, Ash Wednesday. 

READ MORE: Flour and cinnamon 'bomb' shut down airport