*Includes pictures
*Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading
"To think what is true, to sense what is beautiful, and to what is good, hereby the spirit finds purpose of a life in reason." - Johann Gottfried Herder, 18th century German philosopher and poet
In 2012, the German capital recorded a staggering 700,000 people at its CSD Parade, with about 500,000 making it all the way to the end of the joyous march, which is said to have been the biggest and most well-attended pride parade of the year. Berlin's mayor, Klaus Wowereit, among the first openly gay politicians in Germany, famous for uttering the now locally iconic phrase, "Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so (I'm gay, and that is a good thing)," inaugurated the splendid march. Elaborately decorated floats carrying both muscular men in flamboyant period costumes and fabulous queens in their best lace-fronts and drag, wield rainbow flags and dance to techno music as they lead the tremendous party from the Kreuzberg District to the Pariser Platz. There, a live concert performed by a star-studded cast of DJs, singers, and other local legends entertained the blissful crowds until midnight. As the members of the LGBT community, local and from out of town, surrounded by their friends, family, and allies, grooved into the night, the Brandenburg Gate was converted to a colossal rainbow flag.
Other than culture and love and equality, the Brandenburg Gate is also where the locals celebrate triumphant victories and honor their modern-day heroes, i.e. their sport stars. In mid-July of 2014, a throng of 400,000 ecstatic Germans flooded the streets (many of whom had camped out at the site overnight), starting a "fan mile" that originated from the fabled gate. It was here that they welcomed the FIFA World Cup champions with German flags, banners, capes, leis in black, red, and gold, and confetti poppers galore. The black Mercedes truck transporting the players, coaches, and crew members could barely move through the swarm of fans, but there was not a single man on board that was not at the very least, choked up about the overwhelming display of affection for them. "We're all world champions!" team coach, Joachim Löw, boomed to thunderous applause. "Of course, it was a long way to the title, and an incredibly tough one in the end. But we're incredibly happy to be here with the fans now." Till Uhlig, a die-hard fan from Hannover, said of the euphoric atmosphere, "It's indescribable. People traveled to the celebration from all over the country. They've taken their holidays to come here. It's absolutely crazy."
To the locals today, the Brandenburg Gate, understandably one of the nation's top tourist attractions, is synonymous with spectacle, felicity, and victorious jubilation, but this monument has seen its fair share of dark days over the years. The Brandenburger Tor, which has now watched over the evolution of modern Berlin for well over 2 centuries, has witnessed as much torment, heartache, and devastation as it has love and success. Be that as it may, some would say this is precisely what makes the renowned gate all the more meaningful, and the city's mission to preserve in its full glory all the more worthwhile.
The Brandenburg Gate: The History and Legacy of Berlin's Famous Landmark chronicles the remarkable history of one of Germany's most famous sites. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Brandenburg Gate like never before.