Berlin parade moves for culture carnival
Thousands of residents and visitors flocked to Berlin for the 27th edition of the Carnival of Cultures, a vibrant celebration of diversity, music, and dance. This year’s event, which ran from June 6 to 9, marked a significant change as the grand parade was relocated from its traditional Kreuzberg route to Friedrichshain due to construction work. The new parade route stretched approximately three kilometers along Frankfurter Allee and Karl-Marx-Allee, featuring over 70 groups representing cultures from around the world, including performers from Angola, Armenia, Bolivia, and Vietnam.
Despite the change in location, the carnival's heart remained at Blücherplatz in Kreuzberg, where a lively street festival offered a variety of attractions. Attendees enjoyed live performances across multiple stages, showcasing genres from Anatolian jazz to Afrobeat. The "Shantytown" area highlighted sustainable food options and eco-friendly products, reflecting the festival's commitment to environmental consciousness.
A notable highlight of this year's carnival was the recognition of Ghana's "Bus Stop Boys," grassroots environmental activists honored for their efforts in combating pollution. This acknowledgment aligned with the carnival's broader themes of social justice and cultural participation.
Since its inception in 1996, the Carnival of Cultures has evolved into one of Europe's largest multicultural festivals, celebrating Berlin's rich cultural diversity. With over 5,000 performers and an estimated 1.5 million visitors this year, the event continues to promote messages of inclusivity, tolerance, and unity through artistic expression. As the festivities concluded, participants reflected on a weekend filled with color, rhythm, and a shared appreciation for the diverse cultures that enrich the city.
