The western German city of Cologne, a Catholic stronghold, has a celebrated Carnival tradition priding itself on being open to all. But as is still often the case, it's the men pulling the strings - both on and off stage. Carnival season is a colourful, playful time in some German regions, kicking off in November. Wherever it is celebrated, it culminates in a week of rituals, parades and street parties the week before Lent, usually during February or early March. Historically, Carnival also incl