Carnival of Cultures
Berlin, Germany
Your Essential Guide to the Carnival of Cultures 2025
The Carnival of Cultures is a vibrant parade that breaks down barriers and brings people together. It’s a celebration that unites.
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When is the Carnival of Cultures 2025?
The Carnival of Cultures 2025 in Berlin is scheduled to take place from May 16 to May 19, 2025 (dates to be confirmed).
Where Does the Carnival of Cultures Take Place?
For four days of fun, the Carnival of Cultures takes place at Blücherplatz in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district. Here, you’ll find spaces dedicated to live music, numerous food and drink vendors, and many stalls selling crafts and handmade goods.
What is the Carnival of Cultures?
The Carnival of Cultures (Karneval der Kulturen) is an annual celebration held in Berlin, Germany. Berlin is a city home to approximately half a million people from all over the world.
The Carnival of Cultures is a multicultural celebration that honors Berlin’s diverse population and the peaceful coexistence of these different cultures.
This carnival brings together people of various backgrounds to share their passions, ideas, hopes, and dreams in a creative way. It’s a young carnival rooted in the brotherhood of peoples from around the world.
The History of the Carnival of Cultures
The Carnival of Cultures originated in 1996 as a response to the xenophobic racial riots that had occurred in the area. Each year, this event grew more popular and evolved into a four-day celebration culminating in a huge, colorful parade.
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Celebrated by Two Million People
When the Carnival of Cultures began in 1996, it had an impressive attendance of 50,000 people. Today, it has grown exponentially, with nearly two million attendees traveling to Berlin for this eagerly awaited event.
The groups participating in the Carnival of Cultures parade have also grown, from 2,000 to 5,000, representing cultures from around the world, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
How is the Carnival of Cultures Celebrated?
The Carnival of Cultures draws inspiration from other European carnival celebrations, such as Notting Hill in London and Zomercarnaval in Rotterdam.
This carnival features parades, street parties, theatrical performances, street artists, market stalls, food vendors, crafts, and many other activities and events that celebrate peace, tolerance, and multiculturalism.
Live music is also a key part of the Carnival of Cultures, with several stages hosting bands from Berlin’s international music scene.



Berlin Celebrates Multiculturalism
The Carnival of Cultures aims to bring together people from different backgrounds to learn and appreciate each other’s values, cultures, and beliefs. It’s about breaking down barriers between different regions, nationalities, and religions.
The carnival allows us to appreciate other cultures through various displays of costumes, dance, music, arts, and crafts throughout Berlin. At a time when nationalism and populism are on the rise, the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin is a celebration of diversity.
Everyone is Welcome to Participate
One of the best things about the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin is that people of all ages are welcome. It’s a family-friendly event where everyone can enjoy the beautiful celebration of cultures in Berlin. Here, we learn from each other through cultural exchange. The Carnival of Cultures provides a unique opportunity to do so.
This event is about involving everyone from different walks of life, so anyone is welcome to participate. It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or an amateur. People of all ages and cultural backgrounds have the chance to participate in the most anticipated parade of the year in Berlin.
Carnival of Cultures Parade
The highlight of the Carnival of Cultures is an incredible parade featuring around 5,000 dancers, musicians, DJs, and artists from more than 70 different countries.
The parade starts at noon at Hermannplatz, heading towards Yorkstraße, where it ends in the late afternoon. The Carnival of Cultures parade lasts approximately four hours, and more than a million spectators attend each year to enjoy it.
The parade features incredible costumes, elaborately decorated floats, and giant puppets. With carnival groups from all over the world, you’ll see Brazilian samba dancers, Irish folk singers, or a Chinese dragon dance troupe. It’s a spectacle that will leave you in awe.
Carnival of Cultures Music
The Carnival of Cultures is pure entertainment, and Berlin never throws a party without a great soundtrack, so you’ll enjoy music from all over the world.
Four stages are set up with different musical styles, such as reggae, samba, Afrobeat, funk, Jamaican dancehall, soca, and much more. One of the highlights is the Farafina stage, which hosts some impressive African percussion performances.
Food Vendors
Trust us when we say you won’t leave this carnival with an empty stomach. There are more than 350 food stalls offering delicious dishes from around the world. The smells of exotic food fill the air throughout Berlin, and the quality of these delights is outstanding—this is definitely not fast food.
There are also fantastic stalls selling crafts, clothing, jewelry, and all kinds of international items.
Carnival of Cultures Street Parties
Of course, like most carnivals, when the sun sets, the real party and revelry begin. Families with children head home, and the speakers take over the city. Music and the festive atmosphere fill the air on the streets until the sun rises.

How to Get to the Carnival of Cultures?
The easiest way to get to Berlin is by flying, as the city has a major international airport that is well-connected. You can also drive, take the bus, or train if you live nearby. Getting around Berlin is easy, as the city has numerous bus services and an excellent metro area with two stations close to the action at the Carnival of Cultures.
Where to Stay During the Carnival of Cultures?
There are hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartment rentals for all budgets. If you want to be close to the action, stay near Hermannplatz. It’s important to book accommodation well in advance, as the carnival attracts millions of people, so the earlier you finalize your accommodation plans, the more options and availability you’ll have, and the better your budget will be.

What to Do and See in Berlin?
Aside from the carnival celebrations, Berlin is one of the most beautiful cities in Germany, full of impressive monuments, amazing food and markets, and a vibrant nightlife.
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