Carnival of Cultures in Berlin, Germany

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What is the Carnival of Cultures?

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The Carnival of Cultures or Karneval der Kulturen in German, is a celebration that takes place every year, serving as a demonstration of an open and intercultural society. The carnival of cultures reflects the ddiversity of the city of Berlin like no other event of its kind. Thousands of people from different ethnic backgrounds and cultural contexts congregate to demonstrate in the streets and share their traditions with each other.

The carnival occupies four days in which you can see a large number of Berlin bands performing in different spaces. The rhythms that occupy the city range from jazz, through afro beat, Rock fusion to Balkan sounds. Likewise, the carnival occupies different commercial activities such asfood and beverage sales. In addition, the city offers spaces for different artistic performances such as drawing, juggling and dancing.

A large number of artists take public spaces to turn them into their canvases to express their expressions. These artistic touch on political and social themes. Carnival is an icon of a free and multicultural society.

 

Ecological commitment

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Because the carnivals have a large number of visitors, large amounts of garbage, waste and significant energy expenditure are produced, which translates into aheavy environmental impact. That is why the organizers are working to turn the Carnivals of Cultures into a celebration with low environmental impact and to hold the event in a more sustainable way.

To this end, the organizers implement the following actions:

• Use onlylocal products to avoid long-distance transportation, which results in less energy expenditure and lower carbon dioxide emissions.
• Use ofreusable cups and utensils at food and beverage stations. In addition, food is served on plates made from leaves to reduce the use of plastic.
• The garbage produced at the Carnival of Cultures is separated by the visitors.
• The use of public transportation is encouraged. In addition, the purchase of goods and services from companies that have joined the cause of waste and plastic reduction is promoted and encouraged.
• The paper used for printing is recycled.
• The paper used for printing is fully recycled.

 

 

When is the Carnival of Cultures

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Carnivals of cultures are usually held during the month of May. El Karneval der Kulturen will take place from approximately May 21 to May 24.

 

 

History of the Carnivals of Cultures

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The Carnival of Cultures emerged as a response to the various xenophobic demonstrations in Rostock-Lichtenhagen in the year 1996. This event marked a before and after in the history of the city of Berlin. Thus, the carnival was held for the first time in May 1996, inspired by other European carnivals such as the Notting Hill Carnival or the Zomercarnival.

Since its inception it has grown rapidly, increasing its numbers from the first year of festivities. In the year 1997, visitors grew from around 50,000 to 300,000, then to over one million in 2000 and finally surpassing one million in 2018. In addition, the number of participants has also suffered from a significant increase, from 2,200 people to 4,000.

The people who take an active part in the carnivals come from different areas of Germany. However, various groups from South America, Africa and Asia also come.

 

Where is the Carnival of Cultures

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The Carnival of Cultures takes place in the district of Kreuzberg, the city of Berlin in Germany. This district is characterized by hosting a large number of immigrants or people whose families come from other regions of the planet. In addition, the district has established itself as an epicenter for the cultural expression of different ethnicities and cultures. Also, Kreuzberg is one of the districts with the largest population of the LGBTQ movement.

 

 

How the Carnival of Cultures is celebrated

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The Carnival of Cultures has a varied program of activities that take place in different parts of the city.

Straßenfest or Street Party

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During the four days of the carnival, people congregate around Blücherplatz, where a large number of cultural activities and entertainment take place. In addition, the venue includes different musical performances of various genres and artists. The venue also includes acrobats, puppets, cultural performances, fortune tellers and a host of activities for children, youth and adults.

Also, the city has more than 300 food and beverage stalls from different parts of the world, art shops and crafts from local and international artists..

If you want to know more about tourism in this country I recommend this guide:

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The Great Carnival Parade

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The Carnival of Cultures features dozens of groups from the different associations, schools, youth centers, groups independent theaters and groupings that take to the streets to use them as a vehicle forexpression of their cultures and ethnicities. As a result, the streets function as a great stage where different artistic, creative and musical performances are carried out.

The route comprises about 3.5 km of distance and people use the differentmeans of expression to transmit their knowledge, cultural or ethnic elements. Many people use this medium to transmit ideas opposed to the different political figures or social events..

 

Tips for going to the Carnivals of Cultures

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If you wish to attend the Carnival of Cultures or Karneval der Kulturen, we recommend planning your trip in advance, making an itinerary of activities and booking your preferred accommodation in advance.

Also, be sure to pack comfortable clothes for the different events, as well as soft shoes, since you will probably be walking around the caranval grounds several times. Also remember to stay hydrated during your visit and tour around the caranval and wear sunscreen regularly to avoid any sunburn.

 

 

In addition, the event organizers expect you to abide by the following rules once you are on the grounds or participating in the events:

• If you are part of the celebrations, avoid behaving inappropriately in such a way that you may injure, provoke or harass any person within the premises.
• All persons who are part of the celebration must abide by and obey the orders of the different security agencies, whether police, brigades, firefighters or event organizers.
• All persons who are part of the celebration must abide by and obey the orders of the different security agencies, whether police, brigades, firefighters or event organizers.
• On entering the venue, the organizers or security personnel will investigate each of the visitors to ensure that they are not under the influence of any narcotic drug or under the influence of alcohol.
• No driving, bicycling or rollerblading within the event area.
• It is prohibited to drive, ride a bicycle or use skates within the event area.
• It is prohibited to climb on any monument, tree or building for the purpose of observing the grounds or the parade.
• It is prohibited to climb on any monument, tree or building for the purpose of observing the grounds or the parade.
• No glass bottles, fireworks, flags or banners, animals, weapons, laser pointers or smoke bombs may be brought into the grounds.

 

Events at Carnival of Cultures

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The Carnival of Cultures comprises a large number of events that take place in different parts of the city. These activities consist of various artistic, cultural and musical activities for the entertainment of visitors and the recreation of the different cultural and ethnic elements of the participating groups.

The program consists of the following events:

 

Black Atlantica

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It consists of an area or stage where a large number of artistic performances from Africa are presented, including theartistic expressions of the diaspora. In addition, it offers space for musicalconnection and communication. In this area you can listen to different musical genres csuch as Afrobeat, Afropop, Percussion, Rap, Soul, Soukous, Reggae and many other musical genres with mainly African roots.

 

East2West

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This is an area where an attempt is made to connect thecontinents of Europe and Asia, from jazz to electronic music. In addition, different cultural presentations are held. In this area you will hear rhythms such as Pop, Eggae, Ska, Balkan Rhythms, Brass, oriental music, jazz and electronic music..

 

Latinauta

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It’s an exclusive airplay for Latin and Caribbean rhythms, from fusion music to cumbia.

 

 

Rasen in Aktion

It is an area aimed especially for children where they can make crafts, participate in magic events, dance, learn to play percussion and perform different types of presentations.

 

Shanti Town

Shanti Town is a section of the venue that is responsible for developing social movements where world peace, human rights, art, environmental and animal activism or any other manifestation that promotes the wellbeing of others and everything around us.
In addition, there are different activities such as campaigns against racism, war and promotes diversity, sustainability and respect for living beings. Also, there are dance shows, debates, discussions, forums, circus, theater, composition, bands and many other activities.

 

Music Corners

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It offers eight points distributed in the different places of the enclosure and offers a varied program that invite visitors to participate. There are cultural performances, dances, live music and silent disco..
The different activities are completely free, so you must not cancel any admission or ticket to have access to them.

 

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Carnival of the Cultures Parades

 

The parade has the participation of 4,500 collaborators who make up the 75 groups. These people actively take to the streets and transform them into a stage where they can let flow all kinds of cultural, artistic, ethnic and musical manifestations. In addition, the atmosphere of the parade is one of complete acceptance and integration towards different social groups.

The groups that participate are part of the different associations, initiatives, schools, youth centers, theaters, associations of friends or neighbors. These people can be part of the parade to express their ideas or culture through dance, music or any other means. In addition, they can choose the theme of their preference and elaborate costumes and decorations to their liking. The event has featured local, national and international groups.

The parade is about 3.5 kilometers long and has about 600,000 to one million spectators annually.

 

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Parade route

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The parade starts at the Yorckstraße with Möckernstraße. It then advances the entire Gneisenaustraße until it reaches Hasenheide. The route ends at Karl Marx Straße.

 

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What to eat at the Carnival of Cultures

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A large number of tents and food stalls from private companies and local companies are set up within the event. The options range from savory food to sweet food and from the Americas to the Asian continent, so you have a lot of choices.

One of the companies that takes the spaces of the Carnival of Cultures is Paletas Berlin. This company has been active since 2012 and they have a lot of popsicles ice cream made with ingredients of the highest quality and natural products. Their products are gluten-free and addictive and arecompletely vegan. The popsicles feature a variety of flavors such as Cucumber Lemon; Raspberry Vanilla; Blueberry Cheesecake; Mango with Coconut and Strawberry and Lemon. The company offers catering service and online sales of its products.

In addition, there are food stands from individuals, offering dishes and desserts from certain countries of the world. In this case, within the enclosure you can find desserts such as Flan, a dessert made with eggs, sugar and milk. The dessert is known to date back to Phoenician times and originated specifically in Europe. However, it has spread throughout the world, including Asia and Latin America.

In addition, the city offers you various options for eating out such as Hackethals, Marjellchen, Gasthaus Krombach, Restaurant Schlossgarten and Die Eselin von A. These venues offer a varied menu ranging from local, national, Mediterranean food to vegetarian and vegan actions.

 

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Travel Insurance

 

From Carnavalesdelmundo.org we recommend to hire a good insurance to visit this carnival and to know the rest of the country. For being our readers we offer a 5% discount on all IATI insurance. Read more information about all insurance offers here:

 

 

What to see and do inside the Carnival of Cultures

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Within the carnivals you can participate in the different stations or activity areas or events. You can choose from African, Asian or Latin music entertainment. In addition, you can attend the differentcultural events or thetalks that take place at the different points of the enclosure.

Also, you can’t miss the different presentations that take place during the parade with the dozens of groups from different social sectors of the city, including ethnic and cultural groups.

If you don’t want to complicate things, here you can book interesting excursions in Spanish in this city:.

 

What to see and do outside the Carnivals of Cultures

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Within the city of Berlin, you have a large number of tourist attractions that you can visit. A large number of these attractions have a profound historical and cultural value for the city, the country and even the entire European continent.

Brandenburger Tor

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This monument is also known as the Brandenburg Gate and is the former entrance gate of the city, now one of the most important symbols of the city. The construction of the monument dates from 1788 to 1791 and has a height of 26 meters.

 

Museumsinsel

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Also known as Museum Island. It is named for the large number of museums that are located in the area. Today it is part of the World Heritage Site by Unesco. In addition, in its vicinity are the Pergamon Museum, the Bode Museum, the New Museum, the Old National Gallery and the Ancient Museum. It was originally a residential area where art and science were promoted.

 

Pergamonmuseum

In English is the Pergamon Museum This is a museum that began operating since 1930 and brings together a number of emblematic buildings of the city of Berlin. The facilities include 3 museums: the Museum of the Ancient Near East, the collection of classical antiquities and the Museum of Islamic Art. In addition, they have outstanding works dedicated to Islam, Hellenistic Period, Mesopotamia, Near East, Greece, Rome and Pergamon.

 

Gedenkstätte Berliner Mauer

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It is a monument to the Berlin Wall built in 1998. The monument is 60 meters long. In addition, adjacent to it is the Documentation Center and the Chapel of Reconciliation.

 

Reichstagsgebäude

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It is the building of the Reichstag. The building was built in 1894 and has been the victim of fires and various structural damage during World War II.

Also if you want to visit museums and important buildings in this city we recommend that you book your ticket in advance through Tiquets: .

 

Safety at the Carnivals of Cultures

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Berlin is a safe city; however, it is not without sin. One of the problems with Berlin’s security is pickpockets, so we recommend keeping your belongings in a safe place or in your front pockets. Also, avoid going to dark places at night or falling asleep while using public transportation.

In addition, the Carnaval de la Culturas has police presence, firefighters, organizers, nurses and mobile police stations. Likewise, the city’s traffic is organized in such a way as to guarantee the safety of visitors. In addition, the carnival fairgrounds are surrounded with fences to guide participants in the right direction and prevent them from leaving the grounds.

Also, we recommend the following products to safely store your items:

 

 

Climate at the Carnival of Cultures

 

During the celebration of the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin, the city has a somewhat cold weather, with temperatures ranging from 9 to 19 degrees Celsius. If you are a chilly person, we recommend packing something warm for the celebrations.

 

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How to get to the Carnival of Cultures

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How to get there by plane

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The city of Berlin has two airports, the closest to the carnival grounds is Berlin-Tegel Airport. This airport receives direct flights from the cities of Chicago, Washington, Dallas and Philadelphia, as well as many othercities in Europe. Once you are here, you can use the different means of transportation to reach the city center.

We recommend buying airline tickets through Kiwi.com or Skyscanner where they are usually cheaper. More information on this link to review Kiwi.com..

 

How to get there by train

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From the airport you can take a bus from the airport is lines X9 and 109 to Jakob-Kaiser-Platz station. Once there, transfer to the subway and head to Möckernbrücke using line U7.

In Munich you can take a train to Berlin Suedkreuz on the ICE line. Once there, transfer on theS S Südkreuz to Berlin via line 248.

From Frankfurt you can take a direct train to Berlin via the Deutsche Bahn Intercity Express company. The journey takes about 4 hours and 11 minutes.

 

How to get there by bus

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From the airport you can take a direct bus to Berlin using the TXL line of the BVG. company.

From Munich you can take a direct bus to Berlin on lines 034, 141, N95, N95, 134 and N35. The journey time is 7 hours and 31 minutes.

From Frankfurt you can take a bus of the company FlixBus that will take you directly to the city of Berlin. The journey time is 7 hours and 40 minutes.

 

How to get there by car

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From the airport take the B96 to Berlin. The drive is about 25 minutes.

In Munich you can take the A9 to the city of Berlin. The journey time is 6 hours.

From Frankfurt you can take the A4 and A9 to the city of Berlin. The journey time is 5 hours and 40 minutes.

 

Where to stay at the Carnival of Cultures

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Booking.com

 

Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz

3-star hotel. The rooms feature elegant and modern furnishings. In addition, the rooms are equipped with TV and private bathroom. The hotel has a gym, bar, restaurant, parking and free wifi.

 

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten Berlin City

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4-star hotel. Rooms feature flat-screen TV and satellite TV service, private bathroom and kitchenette. In addition, facilities offer bar, restaurant, coffee set, family rooms and free wifi.

 

Relexa Hotel Stuttgarter Hof

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4-star hotel. Rooms feature elegant decor, flat-screen TV, desk, coffee set and private bathroom. In addition, the hotel has restaurants with dishes facilities and wine list, bar, pet access, parking and free wifi.

We recommend using Booking.com to book hotels at a good price, check more information here:

 

Booking.com

 

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