By Michael Blakley
Ever been to a party where someone dresses up as an octopus and plays Korean pop songs accompanied by some flamenco dancers? If your answer is no (but that sounds awesome!) then you’ll get your chance to get internationally mashed up and creative this weekend in Berlin.
You may have heard that Berlin is full of those experimental, artistic types. Well, it’s true and the city let’s them take over the streets for a weekend during the Carnival of Cultures Festival. This year, from June 6th to 8th, everyone from street performers to main stage acts will gather to celebrate the diversity and creativity that makes artists tick. Expect costumes, music, food and -since we are talking international creativity here- a little of the unexpected.
Highlights include:
Music
Balkan beats to Gospel music to Reggae to genres that may not even exist yet, on stage and in the streets. If you don’t hear something you like then you might be going deaf.
When: Friday from 16–24, Saturday and Sunday from 11–24, Sunday from 11–19
Location: Blücherplatz
Food and Crafts Vendors
350 booths await. Hungry? Need a special gift? Arts, crafts and food are all on hand. Did we mention 350 booths?
When: Friday to Monday, hours vary by stall.
Location: Blücherplatz
Street Parade
Every festival needs a highlight and if music and costumes is your thing then the Carnival of Cultures parade will not disappoint.
When: Sunday beginning at 12:30
Location: Starting point is Hermannplatz. The train stations Gneisenaustraße and Mehringdamm are also located along the route.
