The Berlin Light Festival ( Festival of Lights ) – large-scale lighting action, when the historical and architectural attractions of the city at night serve as objects of light installations. It takes place annually, starting in 2005, in the fall and lasts 10 days.
The cultural life of Berlin, like any other capital of the world, is eventful all year round, independent of the time of year. So in the autumn season there are many interesting events, one of which, of course, is the Festival of Light, when residents and guests of Berlin can literally see the city in a completely new light.
Every year, thousands of tourists seek to get to this festival, and every year it strikes with its originality and uniqueness. Billions of multi-colored lamps on the facades of historical buildings and monuments, fireworks and hundreds of spotlights flare up in the evenings, dispersing autumn dusk over the capital of Germany and turning the city into a fairy tale. « Light the light, let it shine » – specially composed anthem of the festival.
The burgomaster of Berlin Klaus Woveright came up with and organized this action. The purpose of this event was the idea to show that at night the city is no less beautiful than in the afternoon, and also – how you can play a real symphony using fireworks, laser and light.
The festival was first held in 2005 and immediately gained great popularity. Today it aims not only to show Berlin in « a beneficial light », but also demonstrates how important the lighting plays in creating a favorable atmosphere in a modern city, where there is a constant increase in urbanization. And many citizens believe that the artists and masters of the festival open to the guests the true face of their hometown – a little mysterious and mysterious.
Traditionally, the event involves more than 70 world-famous historical buildings and places, including – Brandenburg Gate, Alexandrovskaya Square ( Alexandrplatz ), TV tower, victory column « Golden Elsa », Unter den Linden Street, facades of the Berlin House, Berlin Cathedral, Pergamon Museum, buildings on the Museum Island, Main Station, Charlotteenburg Castle, Chancellor's residence, aquarium complex « DomAquaree » and others.
Many unique illumination and light projections are made at a high professional level, and anyone can see them simply by walking the streets. To increase the comfort of movement during the festival, a bus « LightLiner » runs along Berlin, sitting in which guests can see all the light compositions.
During all festival evenings and nights for residents and guests of the city, in addition to special buses, river trams, cycle tucks and even a balloon also work. All of these modes of transport are also decorated with multi-colored illumination.
In addition to light installations, the festival program also includes a variety of cultural and recreational activities, excursions and music concerts, laser shows and fireworks. Naturally, these days, or rather, evenings and until late at night, bars, restaurants and even museums will be opened.
The festival ends with a night marathon « City Light Run », in which participants will make a 10-kilometer race in the center of Berlin. The Brandenburg gate will become the site of the start and finish.
A good tradition has already been the holding of an exhibition of photographs telling about the festival in night Berlin, some time after the event. The Germans are rightfully proud of their ancient and beautiful city, which has experienced a lot, but has retained warmth and comfort, despite some cumbersomeness, and the festival only confirms this, allowing everyone to discover a new one, hitherto unprecedented Berlin.
The – Light Festival is a whole symphony where light, laser and fireworks are used instead of tools. This very beautiful, unusual and large-scale action will give a sea of impressions to both adults and children.