Every year in the beginning of the summer the annual event Karneval der Kulturen is organised in Berlin. From all over the world millions of people come to see this multicultural spectacle. Also in 2023 you will be able to enjoy the great mix of music, food and culture of Karneval der Kulturen in Berlin. .
KDK 2023: A mix of music and culture
The first Karneval der Kulturen was organised way back 1995. Just like the last 24 years, the festival will be organised during the pentecost-weekend. During Karneval der Kulturen you can expect a great mix of both music and culture: About 100 different bands and many talented DJs will be performing throughout Berlin. You can enjoy versatile music-styles and performances on different stages. If you want to read more about the locations and the program of Karneval der Kulturen you can have a look on the official website.
The big parade (Straßenumzug)
The most popular part of Karneval der Kulturen is the so called “Straßenumzug”. This is basically a free street festival with a different truck to entertain you each 100 meter. The parade of different cultures will drive through the streets of Berlin like a real parade. Thousands of enthusiastic people from countries all over the world dance, sing and perform to impress the spectators. Normally groups with 75 different participate in the parade and altogether over 5000 will join. People come from all over the world to see this spectacle and also this year about 1,3 Million visitors are expected. Even if it’s throughout the whole 4-days event it’s still a massive number.
The route of the Parade
The Straßenumzug from Karneval der Kulturen starts on Sunday around 12.30 at Yorckstraße at the corner of Großbeerenstraße. Then, taking about 9 hours altogether, the parade finds its way through streets like Hasenheide, and Gneisenaustraße to finish in the evening at Hermannplatz (around 21.00).
Because it will be busy in Neukölln in the weekend of Karneval der Kulturen, it is advisable to avoid stations like Mehringdamm and Hermannplatz. It is better to travel to surrounding stations and walk the last 10-15 minutes.
Party, Culture, Food and more
Karneval der Kulturen is a great mix of both party and culture. On the one side you can enjoy many talented DJs: In 2013 Alle Farben was performing for example. On the other hand you can see beautiful costumes from Africa, national dances from Senegal and traditional choreographies from Australia. Then there is plenty of food-stands and happy people to make Karneval der Kulturen 2019 in Berlin a great activity for both young and old.
Practical information
Karneval der Kulturen is a free festival and everybody is welcome to visit the multicultural event. Many Berliner clubs and bars also participate but most of the time they have additional rules and sometimes you will have to pay for the entrance. There are plenty of places who sell food and drinks: You can find several stands with tasty food from all over the world. Also beers and other alcoholic drinks can be bought everywhere.
It is also allowed to bring drinks from home by the way, so if you want to save some money you can bring your own.
Culture during the day, party at night
Personally I would enjoy the culture during the day and find your way to one of the parties somewhere in the evening. There will be plenty of open-airs in Berlin and besides that you can also just visit a club with a garden like Wilde Renate, Sisyphos or About:Blank. If you want to know which events are taking place in that weekend you can always have a look at our monthly party-calendar.
The map of the Straßenumzug
Below you can find the map of the Straßenumzug of Karneval der Kulturen of last year. The description of this year’s parade seems identical so it still shows the route for the Straßenumzug. The start is the corner of Großbeerenstraße and the end is Hermannplatz. This is great because it is a very vibrant part of Berlin and there will be plenty of nice places to have a drink or enjoy some food.
