Among all German cities, Berlin claims to be the most multicultural city. Over 400,000 people of foreign origin live and work in Berlin . There are diverse initiatives that aim at fostering cultural diversity awareness and integration of immigrants. One of these initiatives is the annual event called “Karneval der Kulturen” (Carnival of cultures). The event that usually takes place in May or June includes cultural shows, culinary parties, presentations and a colourful street parade in which cultural communities display traditional costumes, music, dance or rituals. In 2008, the “Karneval der Kulturen” took place between the 9th and 13th of May. The list of events was long and the number of visitors was in the thousands. Visitors had the choice between diverse dance parties offering favourite Pop, Jazz, Soul oldies through to the latest Reggae, Hip Hop, House and Afro Beat and theatre as well as variety shows.

 On the 11^th of May, visitors were already lining the streets: Hermannplatz – Hasenheide – Gneisenaustraße – Yorckstraße in anticipation of the major event of the Carnival; the street parade. The parade began at 12:30 pm with an Afro-Brazilian group “Afoxé Loni” at the forefront. Members of the group wore adapted African styled costumes in bright yellow and white combinations, sang, danced and demonstrated the capoeira. Those that are familiar with one of the major Nigerian languages “Yoruba” could identify some Yoruba words in the songs of “Afoxé Loni”. However, it is also interesting to mention, that there were other Afro-Brazilian groups apart from “Afoxé Loni” that took part in the parade. This signifies the population of Afro-Brazilians in Berlin . Other cultural groups representing different nations from the continents Africa , Asia , Antarctica , Oceania , Europe , North America and South America paraded flamboyantly to the delight of visitors. Local dance clubs/discotheques pulled big crowds of fans through their disc jockeys that kept the crowd dancing to top hits of diverse music genre. The parade lasted till about 10:00 pm after which the visitors had the option to continue the carnival’s enjoyment in restaurants, dance clubs or theatres.

 Afritopic 2008