The idea of a carnival which presents the cultural and ethnic diversity of Berlin was developed in 1995, at a time when a lot of social, economic and cultural changes happened. With the concept of a carnival which focused on the cultural richness of Berlin, the Carnival of Cultures was the concept that was a success from the start. The Werkstatt der Kulturen (WdK) is the initiator and organizer of the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin that takes place once a year at Pentecost week-end.

Foto: pixelio/O.Luttmann

The name of this street translates into “Street of June, 17^th” and was given after the events that happened on June 17^th, 1953 in former East Germany: On this day there were massive strikes and demonstrations against the East German regime taking place. Unfortunately the strikes were suppressed by force by the Sowjets backing the then- government. June 17^th was celebrated in Germany as reunification day until 1990.