German Chancellor Angela Merkel took time out of her busy schedule to meet carnival delegations during the annual carnival reception at the Chancellery on January 23, 2017 in Berlin. /CFP Photo

The traditional festival marks a period of pre-Lent celebrations which typically involves partygoers wearing costumes and masks while parading through streets across Germany. /CFP Photo

The season is expected to finish with a Rose Monday parade and festivities across Germany on February 27. /CFP Photo