Our Values - Code of Conduct and House Rules
The Karneval der Kulturen was created as a reaction to racist attacks in the 90s. Since then, we have been one of the largest cultural interventions in Berlin's public space. We loudly advocate for a fair, free and pluralistic society and see ourselves as a positive and political statement that strengthens us in the face of current crises and creates solidarity. We make a living post-migrant tradition and see ourselves as a brave space for everyone, in which we support, meet and stand up for each other. Everyone is allowed to express themselves artistically here - as long as this happens within the framework of universal human rights and our Basic Law (Grundgesetz), refrains from extremist, religious or party-political proselytising and complies with our Code of Conduct.
We position ourselves against all forms of racism, anti-Semitism, antiziganism and discrimination and in favour of respectful and responsible treatment of all living beings and our environment. To this end, we have agreed on the following Code of Conduct, which serves as a guiding principle for us, the participants and all carnival participants. In this way, it creates transparency among participants, towards visitors and society as a whole.
By attending the Karneval der Kulturen, you agree to our Code of Conduct and our House Rules. If the code of conduct or the house rules are not adhered to, the Carnival staff (such as our security and awareness team) have the right to exclude people from the Karneval der Kulturen. In order to collectively create a space in which everyone can feel accepted and respected, we ask all participants to abide by these rules. The Code of Conduct and the House Rules define our shared values and provide information on what behaviour we do not accept.
Code of Conduct if the Karneval der Kulturen:
We are against all forms of discrimination, anti-Semitism, antiziganism and racism, such as anti-black, anti-Muslim racism. We want to recognise and break down colonial-racist and anti-Semitic patterns of thought and behaviour and promote critical awareness, dialogue ability and visibility for these issues.
We are against sexism, transphobia and queerphobia, as well as any other form of hurtful, discriminatory and transgressive behaviour based on gender, sexual orientation, origin, religion, neurological diversity, social and economic status, individual ability, appearance, age and more.
Standing up for diversity also means respecting and protecting the diversity of all life forms. That is why we are also committed to ecological sustainability in all structures - and expect our visitors, partners and stakeholders to support us in this endeavour.
Racism, discrimination and unsustainable behaviour are unfortunately also a recurring theme at major events such as the Karneval der Kulturen and can take place both consciously and unconsciously. We take all discrimination we experience seriously and try to deal with it actively and self-critically. We show solidarity with people who experience discrimination and stand up for each other.
In this context, we ask you to be open and listen when people criticise you constructively. Please remember that not every disadvantage is always visible. What is "normal" for me is not necessarily so for everyone. If you have questions, please be aware that BIPoC (Black, Indigenous and Persons of Color) and other marginalised groups are not responsible for educating other people.
In the spirit of ecological sustainability, we also ask you all to handle waste responsibly, treat green spaces and trees with respect and practice appropriate hygiene behaviour.
Please help us to show responsibility together!
What to do:
If you have been treated contrary to our Code of Conduct during the Karneval der Kulturen or observe such behaviour, please seek support from the people around you and contact our awareness team or paramedics. Safer spaces are available to you on the event site - you can find the locations on our site maps on our website, the app and on the site.
You can get further support from security or the police as well as at the stages or our information stand at the Heiligkreuzkirche. You can also contact the carnival office directly and anonymously via the dialogue box below or by email at awareness@karneval.berlin. Our team is always available for these topics and feedback and will deal with your enquiry as quickly as possible.