Video: 14th Carnival of Cultures in the German capital
2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55
During the days Berlin was able to feel the spirit of different cultures and traditions that met in the German capital at the 14th Carnival of Cultures, which was held in the city from May 29 to June 1, 2009. The four-day open-air show of crafts, performances, music and dance provided the opportunity for participants and spectators to taste exotic food and drinks, as well as enjoy the talents of more than 5 thousand musicians, DJs, artists, actors and craftsmen.
The Carnival of Cultures is more than just a show, it is a reflection of the cultural diversity of Berlin itself. The festival brings together professional artists and art lovers of all ages, it is a great opportunity for ethnic groups living in the city to present their cultures - traditional or modern - to tourists and residents of the city. Groups from 70 different countries who took part in the carnival procession, which took place in Berlin's Kreuzberg district, introduced visitors and residents of the city to the origins of their cultures, national dances, traditional dishes and costumes.
The concept of the Carnival of Cultures was developed in the mid-1990s, at a time when all of Germany and Berlin in particular were experiencing significant social, political and cultural changes. The fall of the Berlin Wall and the unification of Germany turned Berlin into a multi-ethnic and multicultural city. With a carnival concept that focuses on the cultural wealth of the German capital, the hidden treasures of the international heritage are highlighted. The Carnival of Cultures was initially a successful event, where Berlin is seen as a kind of platform for the expression of international groups and people of the arts.
The epicenter of the colorful festival is the Carnival Sunday Parade, which brings a bit of the spirit of Rio de Janeiro to the streets of Berlin: samba rhythms, Brazilian drummers, Congolese singers, as well as Korean cultural groups and many, many other interesting and exciting events.
Recommended:
Holy fools in Russia and in other cultures: holy marginalized or madmen
In the old saying that “in Russia, the holy fools are loved”, the holy madmen were gradually replaced by “fools”. However, this is fundamentally wrong. The phenomenon of foolishness, widespread in ancient times in our country, carried an important social and spiritual function. Interestingly, apart from Russia and Byzantium, there are few examples of this kind in history, however, in different cultures there were sometimes shocking marginals who tried to draw attention to social or religious norms, publicly violating them
When Muslims Paint Eggs: Similar Traditions From Different Cultures
There is a famous anecdote about a girl from Russia who, having married a Muslim, taught the whole harem to cook borscht and paint eggs on Easter. However, in most Turkic and Persian-speaking countries, the Russian beauty herself could learn this art, because the Muslim tradition of painting eggs dates back to Zoroastrianism and is about 5,000 years old. Interestingly, the rest of the customs we perform on Easter are very similar to the Muslim celebration of the spring holiday Navruz
Fiends of the devil or those who bring good luck: black cats in different cultures
“They say it’s bad luck if a black cat crosses the road” - this is how the famous song says. In different eras and in different countries, the attitude towards black cats was ambiguous. Some considered them the fiend of the devil, while others worshiped four-legged. Some remnants of the past in relation to these animals are still alive today. After all, seeing a black cat, many of us unconsciously spit over our left shoulder. Where did the superstitious fear of cats come from - further in the review
The crooked mirror of politics: papier-mâché dolls at the German carnival
Before the beginning of the Christian Great Lent, mass festivities are traditionally held in Germany. "Pink Monday" (Rosenmontag) is the most important of the carnival days, when everywhere is fun, joy, rich treats, fiery dances, and also … evil satire! We have already written that Germany is not indifferent to political cartoons. This year, several million people took to the streets in the cities of Cologne, Mainz and Dusseldorf, who did not miss the opportunity to laugh heartily at the most actual
Dirty from Korea: 14th Boryeong Dirt Festival
How many people love dirt! No, this article is not about paparazzi journalists, black PR people, or little children. We'll tell you about other dirty people - Koreans from Boryeong town and tourists who splash in a viscous gray substance every year. And no one accuses them of untidiness: this is the Festival of Mud, after all