Karneval der Kulturen is a multicultural festival which takes place every year in the streets of Kreuzberg in Berlin. People from all over the world come to visit this four days lasting festival having its highlight with a parade on Sunday, demonstrating the lifelines of its ethnic diversity.
We took the opportunity to take a closer look at the people’s cultural background and what kind of impression the capital of Germany – and especially this festival – left to their minds. Therefore, we interviewed several people, took some photos and did a couple of videos, as well.
First of all, the interviewed people, who differed in culture, age and sex, all feel welcome in Berlin. Furthermore, most of them live in Germany and many of them in Berlin due to study or to work.
All of them miss traditions of their home countries, e.g.one mentioned pinatas, others the way to celebrate, several a special kind of food.
Most of their cultures were represented on the carnival. The Korean people showed some Taekwon-dance, a mix between dancing and martial arts. Venezuela was represented by an association which is called Venezuela e.V. and Columbia joined the street parade – to name but a few. One question of our questionnaire was why it is important for them to represent their culture here.
Alejandro from Venezuela replied :
”One good reason is that there is a lot of misperception when it comes to Latin American countries – when it comes to Venezuela it`s all very political. The first question you get asked when you come from Venezuela is about Chávez. There is more to it people, there is way more to it. Americans ask you something like some sort of stereotype. But the good thing about being in contact with international people is breaking those stereotypes and talk about what else is out there.”
Asked about the purpose of Karneval der Kulturen, most of the surveyed people are of the opinion the carnival is just a big celebration – but Maria from Columbia has a different point of view:
“The purpose of Karneval der Kulturen is to show the other visitors different cultures. I have seen here things concerning Brazil, India, Israel and Iran. I really have seen a lot here. Actually it is fun to mix things like that. I get to know different cultures like in my studies- that is lovely!”
In retrospect, our experience at Karneval der Kulturen was full of new impressions.
The people we interviewed at the festival were open-minded, educated and friendly. There was a positive mood perceptible at the whole place and as a group we felt welcomed. And even though the celebration is often seen as nothing else than a big party, the intercultural contribution nevertheless exists to a certain extent. Therefore, a visit to this event is highly recommended.
(Leistungskurs Englisch, Mai 2015)
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