Jewish Heritage: Mimouna Parties in Berlin
The Mimouna does not belong originally to German-Jewish tradition. This tradition, which originated in Morocco, marks the end of Passover by eating lots of sweets, mostly made from Chametz that was stored in the Muslim neighbours' houses (more in Wikipedia). In any case, while this is not an original Berlin tradition, there is no reason why it should be celebrated in the capital of Multikulti.
And so, there are in fact several places in Berlin where you can celebrate Mimouna this year. It is actually traditional to do some party-hopping, visiting more than one party in the evening
- Sat, April 30th, 8 pm, in Kanaan (Kopenhagener Str. 16, 10437 Berlin, S+U Schönhauser Allee) details
- Sat, April 30th, 9:30 pm, at the Fraenkelufer Synagogue (U Kottbusser Tor), with desserts provided by the awesome Eivgy kosher Moroccan restaurant in Berlin. details
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| Mimouna at Fraenkelufer |
- Sat, April 30th, 11pm, at the Chabad House on Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 34 . The reason for the very late hour is that the ultra-fromm Chabad don't want to start cooking until 9:30, when Passover is officially over.
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| Lubavicher Mufleta |
By the way, there used to be a similar German-Jewish tradition called Rumpelnacht. Since there weren't any Muslim neighbours to store the Chametz with (and the Christian neighbours were not always as neighbourly), the essence of this tradition is totally different: it is the night, in which the family changes the dishes (from Passover dishes to Chametz dishes), lots of quick work and eating is supposed to be done with light food, outside the house, although I did find this lovely recipe for a Rumpelnacht Cake . There is, though, a very German aspect of the Rumpelnacht (besides Ordbung muss sein, that is): First thing the men of the house would do with the end of the holiday is run off to drink beer, forbidden as Chametz in Passover. It was even recognised as Havdalah Wine, for this occasion.
May Day
May Day is this year on a Sunday, and unfortunately unlike other countries, there is no bank holiday on Monday to compensate the working class of cheating them out of an extra day-off. But still, expect the regular May Day festivals, including the big MyFest party in SO36 (Eastern Kreuzberg). This party is in fact so popular, that it might be a little too much for parents of younger children (or those who tend to get lost).
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| A street party, a demonstration, and a little of both: MyFest in Kreuzberg |
Walpurgisnacht, April 30th
Back to Saturday night, because there is not only Mimouna going on, but also "The Night of the Witches", Walpurgisnacht.
The Kulturbrauerei will have a party (starting at 10pm), with a bonfire, but there are also children events, e.g. a ride with the FEZ Parkeisenbahn , which witches stories, sausage and some fizzy drink . details and registration
Furthermore
- The "Gallery Weekend Berlin" will open on Friday (till Sunday). Openings, special events and more - some also suitable to bring children to tag along
- Also opening on Friday (but staying longer) is the Neukoellner Maientage funfair in Hasenheide (U Hermannplatz). There will be shows, rides, funfair food and such. Until May 25th, everyday (on Wednesdays rides for half price).
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| Neukoellner Maientage |
- The Berlin Reads festival in Bebelplatz provides an open air free library and on Sunday, with family day details
- Fri/Sat/Sun - "Art and Wine" street-party in Lichtenrade. details
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| Art and Wine in Lichtenrade |
- Fri/Sat/Sun : Watersport fair and exihibition in Gruenau (close to the train station with the same name), there are admission fees (EUR 2 for adults)
- Sat: Vegan bake sale in Herrfurthplatz (Neukoelln, near Bodinstr).
- And more food: the street food market at the Kulturbrauerei, Sunday 11:00 - 18:00
Brandenburg: Baumblütenfest in Werder
The town of Werder, just west of Potsdam, celebrates the Baumblütenfest From Saturday and until May 8th. Including beautiful flowers, a "queen", rides, food and music.
Until May 8th, in Werder (Havel), get there by using the RE1 from Berlin's main staitons.
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I offer tours in Berlin as well as write about the city as well as published several books and articles in general. I am always free for writing gigs - travel writing or any other types of writing and research - or of course to show you the wonderful city I live in. Contact Me.
