Nearly 100 groups, 68 floats and 70 countries united in one carnival. The parade is the high point of the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin's Kreuzberg district. For nine hours, around 5,000 participants dance, juggle and sing as 700,000 guests hit the streets and squares to celebrate.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
A show of integration
In 2012, Berlin's Carnival of Cultures is in its 17th year. A local cultural collective based in Berlin's Neukölln district, the Werkstatt der Kulturen, initiated the festival. The organization says its goal is to promote the artistic potential of immigrants living in Berlin and to make their creative contributions more visible and tangible.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
Ideal weather
This weekend was full of sunshine and warm temperatures - the best conditions for a successful carnival. The mood was great, and visitors clearly enjoyed coming out and taking part.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
Berlin's very own
Dyed in the wool Berliners have a reputation for being gruff - not exactly the type for parading around in the streets in colorful get-ups. But the parade has a way of getting even the grouches out and smiling, even if they stick to the sidelines.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
Not everyone's cup of tea
Though people with Turkish roots are by far the biggest immigrant group in Berlin, they do not have a big presence at the Carnival of Cultures. Most prominent are revellers from South America. And with some - like these three masked participants - it's anybody's guess where they're from.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
Representing South Korea
This woman is from South Korea, and that should be plain for everyone to see. It's all part of the concept of the festival: Putting the focus on unique cultural aspects of people's home countries and integrating them into life in Berlin.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
All ages show
Of course it's not just the grown-ups who get into the party, many children also take part. On Saturday, they celebrated their own carnival, and on Sunday, many marched in the big parade - like this Bolivian dance troop.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
Beauty pageantry
At the end of the parade, a jury selects some of the most dazzling costumes and awards prizes for them. This whimsical dress with a cloud pattern was sure to earn some attention.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
2012 first-timers: Taiwan and Nepal
Although the carnival has taken place since 1996, new groups from countries that hadn't yet taken part show up each year. That's no surprise when you consider that Berlin is home to around 500,000 immigrants from more than 180 countries - more than in any other city in Germany.
Berlin's Carnival of Cultures
See for yourself?
The carnival comes around once a year, so if your curiosity is piqued, feel free to stop by in 2013. The highlight for residents and tourists will run from May 17 to 20 in 2013. Traditionally, Saturday is the children's carnival, and Sunday is the day of the big parade. But on all four days, guests can enjoy a large-scale street party in Kreuzberg.
