Karneval der Kulturen

The last weekend in Berlin was not only the "Pfingstenwochenende" but also a very special time because the "Karneval der Kulturen" took place in Kreuzberg, one of the famous carnevals in Berlin, with a parade and street stages and Strassenfest..

So of course we could not miss it! We went to see the Strassenfest (that took place around Hallensches Tor) on Saturday evening with Danka and Imans. We actually planned to go to a concert of some latino-rock but we came too late. Pity. But at least we walked around the place, looking at the different cultures presenting themselves in different ways, we ate a Hungarian langos, I bought a magical stone for 1 euro (but it lookes very nice :)).. It has its atmosphere.

On Sunday we went to Hermannplatz short after the noon as the parade was supposed to start there around 12.30. And it actually did. We were standing there (at the sun so I got a biiiiit sunburnt) along the street and all the groups passed by, in various costumes, masks, playing strange instruments, on decorated trucks, dancing, doing capoeira or whatever. It was very loud, very crowded, very colourful and very hot.. and a very nice experience, though tough at the same time. It was 101 groups all together!!
I was with Imans and his Polish friend Mariuz first, then they went home so I managed to find Maxim and his girlfriend and later Marie and her family, with whom I stayed till the last group passed by and then went back to my dorm, quite exhausted. But it was very very nice.