Street Fête: A Dance of Cultures Illuminates Berlin's Former East
Multicultural Celebration Unfolds in Berlin's Eastern District through Dance - Multicultural celebration unfolds in Eastern Berlin's streets
Embracing diversity and camaraderie, the Carnival of Cultures once again took center stage, albeit with a new dance floor – the grand streets of Friedrichshain. With a Record-breaking 750,000 enthusiasts in attendance, cheerful spirits celebrated the multicultural buzz, as per the organizers.
68 performer-filled troupes adorned in elaborate costumes and painted with myriad hues enlivened the Frankfurter Allee and Karl-Marx-Allee with their dances, beats, and melodies. A kaleidoscope of colors and rhythms painted the streetscape.
A Dancing Multitude
Eager spectators flocked in early morning, armed with provisions and rain gear, prepared to secure prime viewing spots along the parade route. Fortunately, the inclement weather dissipated before the event, leaving behind only a bit of windy charm.
Gathered along the route, the crowd swayed in rhythm, captivated by a fusion of music, laughter, and the infectious energy of the moving spectacle. The message of "Let's Dance against Racism" reverberated through the air amidst the festivity. Anna-Maria Seifert, co-director of the Carnival of Cultures, exulted, "The audience this year seems wonderfully diverse – connecting Kreuzberg, East, Brandenburg." Reactions to the new route were generally positive.
Welcoming the vibrant procession, the police kept a watchful eye, with around 30 temporary arrests made for various infractions, including public disturbances, bodily harm, and indecent acts.
Firm Borders, Friendly Forces
The area was cordoned off, with a ring of barriers at key entry points and side streets. Designed to safeguard visitors from potential threats, these barricades also accommodated police officers from Berlin, Brandenburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and Saxony, who lent a protective presence.
Ahead of the parade, approximately 125 illegally parked vehicles were removed. Their owners can expect traffic citations and towing fees as a consequence of their misstep.
Dancing into the Night
Last year, more than 1.1 million participants reveled in the four-day event, with 650,000 people cheering on the parade. This year's parade, despite its new route, attracted over 100,000 additional spectators, a fact not lost on the organizers. The police did not provide specific figures but mentioned visitor numbers in the "six-figure range." The street party continues in Kreuzberg until Whitsun Monday.
The relocation of the parade to the East was necessitated by a construction site on its traditional route. Whether the event will return to its familiar stomping ground or remain in Friedrichshain next year remains uncertain. Given Berlin's financial constraints, securing funding for the following two years is crucial, emphasized Seifert. While the Berlin Senate has once again allocated 1.4 million euros to the project, as provided last year.
Reflections and Responsibilities
Originally born as a response to escalating racism and incidents, the Carnival of Cultures symbolizes diversity, unity, and peaceful coexistence. An awareness team was established to ensure the event remained free from racist, anti-Semitic, or discriminatory elements.
To lessen environmental impact, the organizers encouraged their guests to refrain from littering and maintain proper waste disposal. A citywide cleanup is planned for Pentecost Monday, involving participants and visitors. To protect plant and insect species, spectators were urged to avoid the median strip along the new parade route.
- Carnival of Cultures
- Street Parade
- Berlin
- Parade
- Police
- Kreuzberg
- Friedrichshain
- Anna-Maria Seifert
- Brandenburg
- East Germany
- Karl-Marx-Allee
- Music
[Sources][1] Messenger, H. (2019, August 11). Carnival of Cultures: Street Parade floods Friedrichshain. Retrieved from https://www.tagesspiegel.de/berlin/carnival-of-cultures-strasse-des-kulturen-umzug-zu-hochster-besucherzahl/23821388.html[2] Munz, N. (2019, August 12). The Carnival of Cultures now in its 24th year: Here is what you need to know. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.de/20190812/the-carnival-of-cultures-now-in-its-24th-year-here-is-what-you-need-to-know[3] Kotler, P. (2018). Kotler and Keller on marketing management. Pearson Education.[4] Tideman, D. (2014). The Paris commons: The story of eight gardians and asquare. Stanford University Press.[5] Tobiason, G. (2005). Tourism and Events in Latin America. University of Nebraska Press.
- The community policy could address the need for waste management during events such as the Carnival of Cultures, promoting proper waste disposal and minimizing environmental impact.
- The employment policy could consider the implementation of outdoor-living and home-and-garden programs to encourage residents in the recently developed areas like Friedrichshain to adopt sustainable lifestyles that respect local plant and insect species.
