Кройцберг
Берлин
Германия
Carnival of Cultures in Berlin (Karneval der Kulturen) is an annual celebration that lasts four days and takes place on the streets of the Kreuzberg district in Berlinat the end of May – beginning of June. Entry to the festival is free. It was first held in Berlin in 1996.
The Carnival of Cultures aims to show the diversity and freedom of expression of cultures and religions in Berlin. Various dance and music groups (more than 100 groups) take part in the festival, which perform on the main stage (as well as just on the street) throughout the entire festival.
The main event of the festival is the parade of cultures. More than 5 thousand people usually take part in this festive costume procession, somewhat reminiscent of the carnival in Rio de Janeiro, and one and a half million people come out to the streets of the city to watch the festival participants! At this time, some streets in Berlin are blocked from vehicular traffic.
The carnival begins at noon at Hermannplatz. From there, the parade participants begin to move along the streets of Hasengheide and Gneisenaustrasse towards Mehringdamm. Folk festivities last until late in the evening. Festival participants (platforms, teams of people) compete among themselves for the most colorful performance. The winners of the carnival are awarded.
Official website of the festival: www.karneval-berlin.de
