In the two decades since the reunification of Germany, the culturally rich city of Berlin has become one of the true global capitals of gay travel, a destination that rivals anyone in Europe in terms of acceptance of gays and lesbians, life Eclectic and sexually charged nightlife. and performing and performing fine arts. As the modern gay rights movement began in Berlin in the late 1800s, and the city’s gay scene flourished during the 1920s until the tragic rise of the Nazi party, it stands to reason that Berlin enjoys so much acclaim. today as a wonderful place for gays and lesbians to live and visit.
It is fitting that Berlin hosts a spectacular Gay Pride celebration attended by hundreds of thousands of revelers and supporters. The Berlin Gay Pride Parade, also known as Christopher Street Day , moved to July this year (after having taken place for several years at the end of June). The date is July 23, 2016. Berlin also hosts Folsom Europe, the continent’s largest fetish festival, every year in September (dates are September 10-11, 2016).
In addition, during the weekend before the Gay Pride Parade, Berlin hosts the annual Lesbisch-Schwules Stadtfest (Gay and Lesbian City Festival), considered the largest event in Europe. In 2016, the dates of this joyous party are July 16 and 17. This annual festival is held in Schoneberg’s vibrant GLBT life center, Nollendorfplatz, the street leading southwest of the underground station / square, Motzstrasse, is bordered by many of the city’s cities. more famous gay bars and businesses, such as nearby streets such as Kalckreuthstrasse, Fuggerstrasse and Martin-Luther-Strasse.
During the festival, which takes place every day from 11 a.m. until late at night, participants can see dozens of musical performances, lectures, art installations, and exhibits on all facets of GLBT life. There are dances at local clubs, women’s programs, and market stalls and stalls that sell food and represent business and community organizations. More than 450,000 attend each year.
On the last Pride weekend, Saturday July 23rd, the Berlin Gay Pride Parade starts at 12:30 pm Kurfürstendamm at the corner of Joachimstaler Str., Passing through Nollendorfplatz and finally ending at the Brandenburg Gate after go through the beautiful city park, Tiergarten. The parade lasts until 5pm, after which there is a Pride Rally in the shadows of the Brandenburg Gate.
Berlin Gay Resources
Many of the city’s gay-popular restaurants, hotels, and shops have special events and parties during Pride Week. Check local gay newspapers, which are distributed in popular gay bars. And take a look at Patroc.com’s Gay Berlin Travel Guide, which is very helpful and has extensive information on the local gay scene. Excellent additional resources for travel planning are the Gay Travel site produced by Visit Berlin (the official Berlin Tourist Office) and the German Tourist Office site on GLBT travel in Berlin.
