Berlin: The vibrant Carnival of Cultures 2025 officially launched last Friday and runs from June 6 to June 9, filling Berlin’s streets with music, dance, and multicultural celebration. The much-anticipated parade began at 1 p.m. on Frankfurter Allee in the heart of Friedrichshain.
Founded in 1996 as a response to growing racism and violence, the Carnival has since evolved into a powerful platform for tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and cultural diversity. Thanks to the efforts of dedicated volunteers and professional security personnel, the festival remains a safe and inclusive space, upholding a strict zero-tolerance policy toward any form of extremism.
This year’s edition showcases an impressive lineup of 68 cultural groups and over 4,000 performers, representing Berlin’s multicultural communities. Their vibrant performances captivated more than 750,000 spectators on-site and reached millions more around the world via livestreaming.
A standout moment in this year’s festivities is the debut appearance of the Association of Tibetans in Germany, represented by the Tibetan community in Berlin. Dressed in colorful traditional attire, the group presented Tibet’s rich cultural identity through expressive dances, spiritual songs, and a dramatic yak performance. Their participation reflects one of His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Four Principal Commitments — the preservation of Tibetan culture and the protection of Tibet’s environment.
“We believe that such platforms play a vital role in amplifying the Tibetan voice and encouraging people to learn more about our history, our struggles, and our aspirations,” said Dundup Donka, President of the Association of Tibetans in Germany.
This year’s Carnival holds special significance as it coincides with the 90th birthday of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama — a global symbol of peace, nonviolence, and intercultural understanding. The Tibetan community’s participation not only celebrates their heritage but also delivers a universal message of resilience, compassion, and unity.
–Report filed by Tibet Bureau Geneva
