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Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) 2012

A masked man takes part in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

Yesterday I had my first experience of the Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) parade in Berlin.  And what an experience it was.

The streets were thronging with people and alive with colour.

The Karneval der Kulturen is an opportunity for Berlin to celebrate the diversity of its people and many nations and ethnic groups were represented.

The parade, which started at Hermannplatz and followed Hasenheide, Gneisenaustrasse and Yorckstrasse, is the highlight of a weekend of festivities.

Throughout the carnival weekend stalls are also set up to sell food and drink in the area around Blücherplatz.

With the pavements packed many sought higher positions for a better view.

A man climbs a Lamp Post for a better view at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin Carnival goers climb a trellis for a better view of the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin Thanks Daddy - a child gets a better view at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

 

Elaborate costumes and carefully constructed contraptions were the order of the day.

A Float at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A lady in a swan costume takes part in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A Princess in the Tower puppet at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin Spanish Morris Dancers take part in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A forest creature in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin Part of the Blue Dragon parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

 

Some sought to deliver a message.

A pig float advocates vegetarianism at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

 

But most people just wanted to have fun.

A lady in a feathered headdress dances at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A camp costume in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin Part of the Blue Dragon parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A girl twirls a Hula Hoop in the parade at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin A man in a Tiger costume watches the parade at at Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

 

As the last of the floats approached the junction of Zossener Strasse a tide of people began to move along the street.  Some were heading home but many more were looking for somewhere to continue the festivities.

Leaving Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) in Berlin

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5 Responses to Karneval der Kulturen (Carnival of Cultures) 2012

  1. danielandkellytravel 28 May, 2012 at 17:49 #

    This looks like so much fun! I would have loved to have been there! Great photos!

    • andBerlin 28 May, 2012 at 18:27 #

      Thank you. It was a great day. Everyone taking part seemed to be having so much fun and that unbridled joy is infectious.

  2. initforthehoney 30 May, 2012 at 16:57 #

    Hi andBerlin- These are great photos! Such atmosphere to them. Thanks for liking my recent post on my own visit to Berlin. I’ve really enjyoed reading your blog and love all your street art pics.

    • andBerlin 30 May, 2012 at 18:01 #

      Thanks. The carnival definitely had atmosphere in abundance! I always enjoy seeing Berlin from other people’s perspectives – it helps me to keep finding new places to explore and appreciate.

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