Carnival of Cultures

The Carnival of Cultures sends a clear signal for a free, sustainable and pluralistic society.

It is a joyful statement for an open and pluralistic society and also in its 25th edition reflects the diversity of Berlin like hardly any other event. Here, people of very different origins and cultural backgrounds come together to creatively bring their passions, ideas and desires to the streets and share them with an open-minded audience at free admission. The daily creative and cohesive work of the participating groups becomes visible to the public on this Whitsun weekend.

On the big street parade on Pentecost Sunday, about 4,000 carnival actors* conquer the public space every year and show the cultural richness of our city, the diversity of artistic expressions and creative handling of political and socially relevant issues. The parade offers space for Berlin communities to show their cultural roots or to lead them into a new era. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds from every neighborhood in Berlin have the opportunity to be visible to the public with their concerns. The motives and impulses of the actors are as diverse as our city.

At the four-day street festival, Berlin bands find a large stage and enthusiastic listeners. With free admission, the ears and dancing legs of the visitors go on a musical journey around the world. From Anatolian jazz and Afrobeat to Japanese fusion rock, mestizo music and Balkan beats – the stage is set for the boundless spectrum of Berlin’s musical landscape! In the green area of the street festival, committed associations and companies that stand for a respectful approach to the environment meet gastronomy from ecologically sustainable businesses and the Berlin ‘Food Truck’ movement. At the heart of the festival, the Lawn in Action is a colorful oasis with hands-on activities for young and old. Here is room for imaginative creation, juggling, dancing or simply taking a breath. A wide range of culinary offerings and handicrafts from Berlin and around the world complete the street festival.