Carnival, the so-called “Fifth Season” that is so beloved and central to the Rhineland’s cultural life, returns to Berlin with a vengeance this February. With one week of parties, costumes, and music, Berlin will demonstrate its own unique and intimate take on the infamous celebration - whatever the weather!
Carnival in Berlin through the ages
Berlin’s Carnival, or Fasching, not to be confused with Berlin Carnival of Cultures, has a history dating at least back to the 15th century, when Lusatian immigrants introduced their own traditions of street parades and dances. The fall of the Rhineland to Prussia in the 19th century introduced the city to a new wave of immigrants who brought with them the more familiar traditions associated with Cologne.
Since then Berlin’s Fasching has endured many setbacks, from the construction of the Berlin Wall to the cancellation of the parade in 2018 and 2019 for financial reasons to the inevitable cancellations due to the coronavirus.
Despite this, many Berliners have found their own way to celebrate the season in smaller public and private get-togethers all over the city, with many restaurants and bars opening their doors for Carnival-themed costume and dance parties.
How to celebrate Berlin Carnival
For many older Germans, continuing the tradition of Carnival is more important than its size or splendour. Olaf Schwarz, President of the Berlin Fools Cap, embodies this belief, saying “We don't see the carnival as a party, but as a cultivation of tradition and customs.”
Along with around 120 other guests, he typically celebrates the festivities at the Tegeler Seeterrassen in Reinickendorf, where the volume is relatively low and the emphasis is on food, drink, and companionship. Meanwhile, in nearby Spandau, Brauhaus opens its doors in the evening for a Weiberfastnacht (Fat Thursday) celebration targeted towards a distinctly younger crowd.
With promises of funny costumes and party-themed music, their event is sure to continue the Carnival tradition while giving it a distinctly Berlin twist. While there is no one way to celebrate Carnival in Berlin, the local Carnival-season greeting is sure to make an appearance at all events big and small: Heijo!
Key Carnival dates in Berlin
Rose Monday, traditionally the pinnacle of Carnival celebrations is on March 3, but, of course, many unofficial celebrations take place before this date. Some of the key dates of Berlin Carnival is Fat Thursday on February 27, Shrove Tuesday on March 4 and Ash Wednesday, which brings the "crazy days" to a close, is on March 5.