TRUNG HỌC DUY TÂN - PHAN RANG

[SNOW WHITE]

Rose Monday climaxes Cologne carnival

The Cologne Carnival is a carnival that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. Traditionally, the "fifth season" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of November. The Carnival spirit is then temporarily suspended during the Advent and Christmas period, and picks up again in earnest in the New Year. The time of merrymaking in the streets is officially declared open at downtown square Alter Markt on the Thursday before the beginning of Lent. Street carnival, a week-long street festival, also called "the crazy days", takes places between the Thursday (Women’s Carnival Day) before Rose Monday and ends on Ash Wednesday. The highlight of the carnival is Rosenmontag ("running Monday") which takes place on the Monday.

Carnival floats and revellers pass the Cologne Cathedral in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

Revellers scatter chocolates to the crowds in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

Revellers scatter chocolates to the crowds in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

Revellers walk in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

Local residents watch the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

Revellers walk in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.

An umbrella is used to get scattered chocolates in the carnival parade in Cologne, Germany, Feb. 23, 2009.