Observation and self-disclosure will transpire.
Hopping from Berlin to Pentecost: A Wild Ride through the Karneval der Kulturen
Berlin and Pentecost, a sweet combination, thanks to the iconic tune "Bolle." This year, Bolle embarked on a trip to Pentecost. And just like every year at Pentecost, the festivities kicked off, attracting crowds of revelers to the streets of Kreuzberg. This year, things got even wilder as the action spilled over into Friedrichshain (more on that later). You know what they say, crowds, food, amusement - that's what the Pentecost carnival is all about.
The Karneval der Kulturen, a brilliant spectacle, was the perfect playground for those who love being swept up in a sea of people, or even being crushed by the bold groups that force their way through the crowd. Together. Against each other. And, of course, drinking. Just the usual suspects at a street festival, but with a splash of color.
Berlin today is far more multi-cultural than it was a century ago. This was evident in the food stalls, bursting with delectable dishes from every corner of the globe. The best part? You could sample your way around the world without ever feeling hungry at the heart of this Berlin carnival - the marathon street parade on Pentecost Sunday.
The parade made its move to Friedrichshain, onto the expansive Karl-Marx-Allee. Berlin.de, the official capital portal, mentioned that the shift was due to construction work in Kreuzberg, while the organizers spoke of their ambitions: more space, new perspectives, more visibility. Regardless of the reasons, the crowd sure was not lacking at the new location.
Over a million people, it's said, got their groove on at the Karneval der Kulturen this year. Around 330,000 visitors attended the four event days, and a whopping 750,000 turned up for the parade on Pentecost Sunday. As reported by the organizers, everything went smoothly.
People of all shapes and sizes lined the route, families, groups, couples, some dressed in flashy carnival costumes, others in traditional attire, offering greetings to the groups in the parade. There was much glitz, feathers, and fringes, and the beats were relentless. Dancing, drumming, spectacular performances, and just plain old promenading ruled the day, while shrines were carried around, roller skating troupes delighted the crowd, street hip-hop pulsed, and Nigerian rhythms danced in the air.
A kaleidoscope of colors filled the air. In the past, the media often reduced the festival to an image of a scantily-clad woman from a Brazilian samba troupe. But that time has long since passed.
There was an abundance of sights and sounds at the Karneval. It might have seemed from the music that most of Berlin's residents were of Latin American or Caribbean descent. That's not entirely accurate, but the upbeat music certainly didn't dampen the spirit.
The political undertones of the parade have long been a topic of discussion. After all, imagine a carnival where every group marches with slogans and protest signs. A rally of the dramatic. But that wouldn't alter the overall picture: that a diverse group of people are living together here, somehow making it work. The Ukrainian group's appearance was a significant statement, echoed later by the pandas from the "Hello China!" group and the Tibetan Association.
Our left-wing weekly newspaper brings you a fresh perspective on the world every week. Every Saturday, you can catch our paper at the newsstand or by subscription. Dive into the world as it is and as it could be. Find common ground in this vibrant city, for just a moment. For just a brief song, like the Korean folk song "Arirang." A dancer from the Korean group began singing it as she spotted a few teenagers in the audience with Korean roots. Initially shy, they soon joined in confidently.
Sources1. The Karneval der Kulturen Berlin2. Carnival of Cultures Berlin: A Celebration of Diversity3. Berlin's Karneval der Kulturen 2024 Breaks Attendance Records
Books about the Karneval der Kulturen could provide a deeper understanding of its rich history and cultural significance. Social media channels, such as the official Karneval der Kulturen page, offer real-time updates on performances, participant line-ups, and interesting facts about the events. The festival not only offers entertainment through music and dance but also represents pop-culture icons, with celebrities and famous musicians often participating, making it a must-see event for fans.
