Carnival festivities kick off in Cologne at a count-down celebration by the Cologne town hall. Carnival goers celebrate in brightly-coloured costumes, as performers dance and play music, and the Mayor of Cologne, Henriette Reker, gives a speech. Speaking to AFP, the Mayor shares a message of inclusivity: "It doesn't matter who you are, how you are and what kind of wallet you have [...] we celebrate together". The festivities will last until February 22. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES