5 Things to Do in Berlin in Sommer - Black Berlin Edition
Berlin is known for its vibrant cultural scene, and summer 2024 promises to be an exceptional season for celebrating Black culture and heritage.
Here are five exciting events to look forward to in Berlin this summer, each highlighting the richness and diversity of African and Afro-diasporic experiences.
1. AFRO-LUTION BY EOTO
Date: June 27-30, 2024
Kick off the summer with the AFROLUTION Festival by Each One Teach One (EOTO), a four-part series that starts this year. Under the theme "African/-Diasporic Pluriverses I," the festival will reflect on the United Nations Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) and celebrate historical pan-African events like the 1977 FESTAC in Lagos, Nigeria.
Enjoy new and classic literary works, thought-provoking discourse events, and captivating performances. Prominent guests like Kehinde Andrews, a professor of Black Studies, and Tapiwa Guzha, an artist focused on African empowerment, will attend. This festival is a must for anyone interested in the intersection of art, academia, and activism within the African diaspora.
2. AFRICAN FOOD FESTIVAL
Date: July 13-14, 2024
Indulge in the African Food Festival Berlin - Summer Market culinary delights. Held at Jules | B-Part in Gleisdreieckpark, this festival offers a weekend filled with traditional African dishes like Fufu and exciting new fusion creations. Besides the delicious food, you can shop for unique crafts and products while enjoying electrifying music from Berlin DJs spinning Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afrohouse. It's a vibrant celebration of African culture that promises to tantalize your taste buds and get you dancing.
3. Ceremony Found - HKW
Date: June 23, 2024
Experience the powerful rhythms and rich African drumming traditions at "Polyrhythmische Spuren in der afrikanischen Diaspora" at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW). Led by experts like Veronique Belinga and Christxpher Oliver, this event explores the role of drums in African cultures and their significance in the diaspora. The Gumbe drum circle, co-founded with Ras Happa, will showcase polyrhythms and drumming techniques, tracing their origins and evolution. The event includes archive materials and references to literature, music, and audiovisual documents, providing a deep dive into the cultural impact of drumming. This interactive performance welcomes everyone, especially BIPoC communities.
4. KENAKO Africa-Festival
Date: August 23 - September 1, 2024
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the KENAKO Africa-Festival at Alexanderplatz. This free festival invites people of all ages to participate in a diverse program of theater performances, drum workshops, interactive activities, exhibitions, and musical performances. The marketplace offers a unique shopping experience with various stalls selling African crafts and products. Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the festival is a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in African culture, learn new things, and enjoy a vibrant community atmosphere.
5. Black Joy Bike Parade
Date: August 11, 2024
Join the third edition of the Black Joy Bike Parade, a bicycle demonstration advocating for better representation and recognition of Black people in Germany. Starting at Brandenburger Tor at 2:30 PM, this event is a celebration of Black existence and community. It's an empowering and joyful way to come together, make a statement, and enjoy a day of unity and advocacy on wheels. Don't miss this chance to be part of a movement that promotes visibility and cohesion within the Black community in Berlin.
Conclusion
Berlin's summer 2024 is packed with events that celebrate Black culture, history, and joy. From thought-provoking festivals and delicious food markets to empowering parades and immersive performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars and get ready to experience the vibrant and dynamic Black Berlin edition this summer!
