Berlin Carnival of Culture has been a tradition for over 30 years and is one of the largest celebration in Europe. It is a three-day event that offers something for everyone with art exhibitions, theater performances, sporting competitions, and live music from all around the world.
The first day is dedicated to an opening ceremony where you can see many cultural groups coming together to celebrate their differences and similarities through dance and song. The second day features more dancing as well as different sports competitions like athletics or soccer. Finally on the last day there are various concerts including jazz bands, rock bands, classical orchestras or opera singers who will perform traditional folk songs from other cultures such as Mexican songs or Turkish ballads just to name a few!
Carnival of Culture
On the weekend of the 11 June to the 13 June 2011 (The Monday was a bank holiday in Germany), there was the Berlin Carnival of culture located in the borough of Kreuzberg. Before that I never knew that Berlin had a Carnival. I was hugely anticipated to go to that Carnival for a while – having been myself a big fan of carnival (having been already several times to the Notting Hill Carnival in London which happens at the end of August every year since 1959 and also the Bristol Carnival which runs since 1975), I wasn’t expecting it to be as big as The Notting Hill carnival, just to be a small carnival with a few displays and quite boring.
Carnival in germany
But to my surprise when I went Saturday evening to have a few glimpses of the carnival, I saw quite a lot of activity and ended up staying 5 hours, me that had only planned at least half an hour maximum, thinking it was gonna be boring. I saw quite a lot of different cultures represented in the Berlin Carnival, which made me wanting to come back for the main parade the next day. On the day of the parade I was very happy of the display of solidarity and understanding amongst different cultures, the happiness and excitement amongst everyone.
Berlin Multi Culti
The carnival was so peaceful and there was practically no trouble maker and no police intervention. Being of African background, Ghanaian actually, I was very excited about the Ghanaian lorry which was fantastic and brought me wonderful memories of my trip to Ghana. The Berlin Carnival of Culture was a very good experience for me and I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere and although a bit drunk from this fabulous Brazilian drink called Caipirinah (a warning for anyone seems sweet but very strong). The Berlin Carnival of culture offered the peace and quiet of a nice family day out. Next year I’ll be present again.
Related articles
- Notting Hill Carnival (unified-magazine.com)
- The Notting Hill Carnival and the London Riots (theculturetrip.wordpress.com)
- The Nice Carnival (studyingatunsallyouneedtoknow.wordpress.com)
- The 21st Century Notting Hill Carnival (amysamtx.wordpress.com)
