German Festivals: Berlin Events
Marathon, Christmas Market, Classical Music & Christopher Street Day
Jun 9, 2007
The German capital is, understandably, home to some of the very best German festivals, cultural events and sporting carnivals. From the naked flesh of Christopher Street Day and party atmosphere of Karneval der Kulturen to the Berlinale film festival and classical music concerts of Festtage in der Staatsoper, there is an event for everyone to sink their teeth or dancing shoes into.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Internationale Filmfestspiele (Berlinale)
Not quite as glamorous as the Cannes Film Festival, but still highly prestigious amongst the films selected for screening, the Internationale Filmfestspiele sees many of the world’s finest actors, producers and directors descend on the German capital. Also known as Berlinale or the Berlin Film Festival, this celebration of cinema is held in February.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Christopher Street Day
Those with an aversion to naked flesh on display should avoid this massive gay and lesbian parade at the end of June. A celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender culture, the Christopher Street Day welcomes in loud techno music, flamboyant costumes and a lot of revelling. Oh yes, and a lot of well-toned gay men stripping off to expose their torsos.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Karneval der Kulturen
There are yet more wacky costumes in store in late May or early June, when the Karneval der Kulturen (Cultural Carnival) is held in the streets of Berlin. Expect plenty of music, and elaborate floats.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Festtage in der Staatsoper
Festtage in der Staatsoper is Berlin’s premier classical music festival, attracting the best orchestras, conductors and instrumentalists from around the world for a series of gala concerts over three weeks in April.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Berlin Marathon
Now firmly part of the international marathon-running calendar, the Berlin Marathon is very much a people’s street race. Unlike in other cities, where the route passes through largely commercial areas, this one passes right past local residences, giving it a real community feel. The world’s best marathon runners congregate in the German capital for the race every September.
German Festivals: Berlin Events - Christmas Markets
Every German city worth its salt has a Christmas Market, and Berlin is no exception. The Yuletide stalls spring up all over the place, with the main concentrations being in Breitscheidplatz and Alexanderplatz. There is also a market outside the Opernpalais. Whether you’re wanting to by roasted chestnuts and tinsel-covered decorations or not, the festive atmosphere is undeniable. The markets start in late November and continue until Christmas Eve on December 24th.
