The vibrant “Carnival of Cultures” returned to Berlin this weekend, drawing tens of thousands of visitors and participants to the city’s Friedrichshain district for a lively celebration of global traditions, music, and multicultural unity. The colorful street parade, long regarded as one of Berlin’s most beloved cultural events, marked its official comeback following disruptions in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and logistical challenges.
This year’s edition of the parade featured more than 60 performance groups representing communities from across Africa, Latin America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Dancers in dazzling traditional attire, musicians playing global rhythms, and large artistic floats moved through the streets, turning Berlin into a showcase of international joy and cultural expression.
Organizers said the event was more than just a parade—it was a message of tolerance, diversity, and peaceful coexistence. “In a time of global tensions and growing polarization, the Carnival of Cultures is a reminder of what unites us,” one organizer told rbb24.
The Friedrichshain neighborhood, hosting the event for the first time, buzzed with excitement as crowds lined the streets, waving flags, sampling international foods, and joining impromptu dance circles. Security was visibly present, but the atmosphere remained festive and peaceful throughout the day.
Among the highlights was a powerful Afro-Brazilian percussion group, a Palestinian dance troupe performing dabke, and a fusion float blending Balkan brass with Indian tabla beats. Street artists and community workshops also lined the route, offering interactive art and cultural storytelling for families and children.
City officials praised the event’s success, noting its role in promoting Berlin’s identity as a modern, inclusive capital. “This is the Berlin we are proud of,” said a local council representative. “One where everyone belongs, and where culture brings people together rather than divides them.”
With sunny weather adding to the celebratory mood, this year’s Carnival of Cultures was seen by many as a triumphant return to form. The city now looks forward to future editions, with plans to expand participation and strengthen the event’s role as a beacon of diversity and community resilience in Berlin.
Source; rbb24
