The street carnival in Cologne opens in traditional style with the weiberfastnacht or women's carnival on 16 February 2012. On this day, the carnival trio of Prince, Peasant and Virgin take charge of the city and join hordes of spirited revellers on the streets of Cologne to celebrate the 'fifth season', as it's known.

The tradition of the women's carnival dates back a long time and has its origins in the nearby city of Bonn. It is the day when the women stand up against the men of the city – and as a symbol of their empowerment, they are traditionally allowed to cut off the tie of any man in reach!