Berlin's Carnival of Cultures 2014
With its annual Carnival of Cultures, Berlin celebrates its multicultural flair - culminating with a parade through the district of Kreuzberg. More than 80 groups turn the streets into a stage to present their heritage.
Dazzling display
It's one of the most colorful days in the capital. During Berlin's annual Carnival of Cultures, more than 80 groups dance their way through the district of Kreuzberg. The streets turn into a stage, and not just for the 5,300 official participants. The thousands of onlookers dance and sing along with them.
The city's identity
Around 750,000 spectators came to the parade on Sunday (08.06.2014). This year marked the 19th edition of the Carnival of Cultures. The multicultural fest is now an established part of Berlin's summer celebrations. It's almost second to none when it comes to being loved by both the capital's residents and tourists.
Peaceful coexistence
"This is my fifth time at the Carnival of Cultures. I like this festival because everyone celebrates with each other peacefully - no matter where they are from," said Nadja Ebers, who is dancing along with fellow members of her group called Calaca, an association made up of Latin American enthusiasts.
A special delivery
"Our Thai collective Baan Mai Ruh Roy has existed for 17 years in Berlin. We're always happy to be part of the Carnival of Cultures. We brought the costumes for the street parade specially from Thailand," said one of Baan Mai Ruh Roy's representatives.
One thing in common
"We're the clay people, an artist collective from Boleslawiec in Silesia. Our costumes symbolize the ceramics industry in our region. But above all, we stand for the idea: 'We're all made from the same clay!' For the Carnival of Cultures, we traveled in from Poland."
Spontaneity
During the Carnival of Cultures, Kreuzberg's streets are largely blocked off. That offers enough space for spontaneous performances by street artists and musicians. On the Mehringdamm passage along a canal, a break dancer steals the show.
Culinary journey
Everyone can find something to their taste at the street fair. Dishes and flavors from all of the continents are on offer in Kreuzberg - from fried samosas from Senegal and Korean burgers to the Hungarian bread specialty known as langos.
International rhythms
The Carnival of Cultures lasts for four days and features around 100 concerts and 300 performances alongside the street parade. In this shot, the Berlin drumming circle Puto Production is heating things up and getting onlookers to dance.
Cooling off
It's seldom so hot on Pentecost weekend as it has been this year, where temperatures topped 32 degrees (90 degrees Fahrenheit). Upon request, Kreuzberg residents helped people cool off by splashing them with water from above. But the cool water wasn't enough for some - ambulances had to come around 40 times to assist those who had trouble coping with the heat.