Carnival of Cultures: How Berlin celebrates multiculturalism
June 2, 2017
"In its 22nd year, [our festival] is more than ever for openness and cooperation, for courage and tolerance, for joy and human kindness," explains the office of the Karneval der Kulturen, or Carnival of Cultures, on its website. This spirit has kept the festival running through some trying times.
Until May 2017, the Karneval der Kulturen, which has been held every year since 1996, was struggling to attract the necessary financing.
New federal requirements, which include hiring security services, meant that the festival needed an additional 185,000 euros ($207,500) to cover the event costs. At the last minute, the Senate Department for Integration, Labor and Social Affairs, as well as the Department for Culture and Europe, agreed to support the event, saving this year's Karneval der Kulturen.
Secretary of State for Integration, Daniel Tietze, was also relieved, pointing out how "important and essential" the major event was in the current political and social context.
A colorful program for a colorful German capital
The Karneval der Kulturen will therefore take place for the 22nd time from June 2-5, and will reflect again on Berlin's diversity, with people from more than 180 countries living in the German capital.
The highlight of the four-day festival is the street parade through Berlin's multicultural district, Kreuzberg, held on June 4. Over 60 participating groups, including samba dancers, drummers and stilt walkers, will be performing.
The street festival also boasts over 300 stands with food and art crafts from different cultures. Four stages will be welcoming numerous international bands and DJs. Eight additional "Music Corners" will offer a stage for more intimate performances.
Statement against nationalism
The fall of the Berlin Wall led to an increased internationalization of the city, but also to the emergence of stronger nationalist and racist movements in the 1990s. Reacting to this phenomenon, the City of Berlin launched the Karneval der Kulturen to celebrate its multiculturalism and tolerance - and keeps doing so to this day.