Let there be light!

One of the more recently established traditions is the so called Festival of Lights in Berlin. Every year in fall when the days get shorter (and the nights longer) Berlin’s attractions in and around the city center are being illuminated by companies and artists - this year some 60 sights and buildings.

So, for example does the renowned Ritz-Carlton on Potsdamer Platz put up its scenography motto “We are” on big letters on the outside walls of its building. The linden trees on the famous avenue “Unter den Linden” are illuminated in colorful tones giving the idea of an Indian summer atmosphere in Berlin. Of course, the main focus is on the illumination of Berlin’s main attractions: the Brandenburg Gate, the Gendarmenmarkt Square with its Concert House and two Domes, the TV tower changing color every 15 seconds like a disco ball, the tower of the Messe (exhibition area) and among others the Berlin Dome where Wolfgang Joop projects patterns of his new fashion collection.

While the illumination of outside facades of buildings is certainly not a new concept, one must admit that it does add a nice touch to the beginning of the “dark season”. Despite the many windy and rainy cold days inhabitants and tourists alike decide to leave their cozy homes to go for a night time stroll, ride a velo-taxi or get on board a bus or ship through Berlin’s main streets in order to indulge in this somewhat tacky but festive atmosphere. Not as must see – but definitely a nice event!