The tradition of love padlocks has long reached Cologne, and every time I go back, I find myself surprised by the amount added since my last visit. Here’s some impressions of the bridge.
What do you think of this custom? Know any similar ones? Me, I’m pretty amused and a little puzzled, but it makes for nice photo-material, so I’m not complaining.
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 place between the Fat Thursday (Weiberfastnacht) and ends on Ash Wednesday (Aschermittwoch). The highlight of the carnival is Rose Monday (Rosenmontag), two days before Ash Wednesday. All through these days, Cologne folks go out masqueraded. The typical greeting during the festival is Kölle Alaaf!, a Kölsch phrase which can be translated as "Cologne above all!"
His glasses say: I like you.
Carnival in Cologne is a big deal. It’s surrounded by tradition and depending on who you ask, it’s ranges from very political all the way to an excuse to drink, with layers and layers of fun and happiness in between.
