The world’s biggest “cultural party” – the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin kicks off on May 17

Written/Compiled and Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network

 

Travelers who love experiencing carnivals around the world, take note！ The Carnival of Cultures, one of the world’s top 10 festive celebrations, is set to take place from May 17 to 20, with the much-anticipated costume parade scheduled for May 19 from 12:30 noon to 9:00 pm. This annual extravaganza, which draws over 1.5 million visitors to Germany’s capital each year, is a cultural carnival that combines music, dance, costume parades, and food markets – a world-class event not to be missed in May.

Let’s rewind to 1995, the year before the first Carnival of Cultures was held – also the year when one of the world’s top 10 carnivals was taking shape. With over 13% of Berlin’s residents coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures around the world, the German capital was rich in cultural diversity. However, at the time, Germany was grappling with the aftermath of reunification. Whether it was shifts in the political landscape or an economic downturn, this diversity led to increased social tensions, with immigrant populations often becoming scapegoats and sparking widespread public debate. To bridge divides between different ethnic groups and promote greater understanding and acceptance of diverse cultures, the Carnival of Cultures was born on May 16, 1996, with the participation of artists from around the world and inspired by the concept of a carnival.

During the inaugural carnival, over 2,000 participants and 50 costume parade groups showcased their cultural identities and creative expressions through a riot of colors, attracting more than 50,000 spectators. Today, the German Carnival of Cultures has grown into a global celebration, drawing over a million visitors to Berlin each year to enjoy this unique cultural event. Featuring distinctive international cuisines and global cooking styles, along with vibrant music and dance performances, the joyful and festive atmosphere makes the German capital a global spotlight during this time.

This year’s grand parade featured a total of 80 groups and around 4,800 participants, whose vibrant costumes turned Berlin’s Kreuzberg district into the world’s most beautiful cultural palette. The passionate dances, accompanied by a variety of musical instruments, along with uniquely prepared exotic foods, added even more visual delight to this world’s largest cultural party.