- Throngs of Thousands Rejoice at "Rave The Planet": A Festival of Exuberance and Audio Intensity
Bustling Rhythm, Vibrant Hues, Sparkles, Feather Trimmings, Glitter on Faces, and Abundance of Bare Skin - Unbridled Joy. Over thirty thousand individuals rejoice in Berlin at the third edition of the Technoparade "Rave the Planet," with Loveparade founder Dr. Motte. Approximately three hundred artists and thirty floats take part in the electrifying party procession between the Victory Column and Brandenburg Gate, as per the coordinators.
The festivities commenced with addresses from Dr. Motte, whose real name is Matthias Roeingh, alongside others. "Love prevails over hate and aggression," he declared, echoing this year's slogan "Love is Powerful." Culture Minister Claudia Roth (Greens) delivered an audio greeting message. She affirmed, "Techno transcends mere noise," and is an essential component of Berlin's cultural fabric. "Rave transcends ethnicity, gender, and social status."
Techno culture now classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage
The procession embodies peace, love, and safeguarding electronic dance music culture. It likewise advocates for the protection of nightclubs and venues and "disarmament across all levels." Similar to the iconic Berlin Technoparades of the 1990s, the convoy was registered as a demonstration, offering substantial advantages to the organizers compared to a simple party parade.
Berlin's techno culture earns recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Germany. The federal and state culture ministers updated the national register accordingly. "Rave The Planet" submitted the application, and Roth dubbed it a major triumph. Techno serves to intertwine creativity with precision, thereby generating exclusive spaces where people can unleash their passion for music and dance, the culture minister explained.
Dr. Motte perceives further challenges ahead following Berlin's techno culture being classified as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. "This is merely the beginning, we can't rest upon our laurels, we must press forward," he declared. Numerous projects can contribute to this ambition, he added. "That's why we're demonstrating for our culture and its preservation today."
People groove in the streets around the Victory Column amid summer warmth. The floats progress at a leisurely pace among the crowds. Numerous individuals have traveled to Berlin specifically for the techno spectacle, such as Melissa Voelkel from Rheine in Westphalia, who dances along with her young son, donning large headphones. In politically trying times, it is crucial to establish a role model, she asserts. "It's essential that we strive to spend the day together as one vast family."
The police anticipated an attendance of three hundred thousand individuals at the party demonstration. Initially, neither the organizers nor the police disclosed specific attendee numbers. More people joined the procession in the afternoon, with the celebration set to continue well into the night. According to the medical service's representative, roughly thirty instances of intervention were reported in the initial hours, like minor instances like requesting a band-aid.
The police are monitoring the event with approximately one thousand officers, without any notable occurrences to report thus far. Amongst the parade, there are traffic disruptions. The S- and U-Bahn station Brandenburg Gate is shut due to overcrowding, while the S1, S2, and S25 S-Bahn lines bypass the station without halting.
The motto for this year's parade entails: "Love is Stronger." The coordinators aim to set a symbol of love and peace amidst various crises. They voiced their intention beforehand not to witness any national flags, but rainbow flags are welcome – and indeed, a few were sighted. Rainbow-colored attire, like fans and leggings, were also prominent. Environmental protection and waste management are priorities, as the organizers stated beforehand. A cleanup operation in the Tiergarten is planned post-parade with volunteers. Items like glass and pyrotechnics are officially prohibited.
Rave The Planet
The Technoparade "Rave the Planet" featured the technology parade as its main attraction, showcasing floods of artists and floats celebrating love and electronic dance music culture. Dr. Motte, urging for continued progress, highlighted the classification of Berlin's techno culture as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, emphasizing the need for numerous projects to preserve its legacy.
