Living in a foreign country means more than just adapting to a new environment—it’s about immersing yourself in its traditions, often deeply rooted in religion, local customs, and even ancient pagan beliefs. The memory and identity of a place live through the rituals that mark the passage of time, and observing and taking part in these customs from the inside offers a deeper way of inhabiting and experiencing a new land.

With Easter just a few days away, it’s the perfect moment to explore how this holiday is celebrated in Germany. Ready to discover some fascinating traditions?

Karfreitag

The Easter weekend in Germany begins with Good Friday, known in German as Karfreitag, which translates to „sorrowful Friday.“ The word Kar is no longer used in modern German but comes from the Old High German word kara, meaning grief or mourning, paired with Freitag, meaning Friday. On this day, silence prevails. Symbolically and religiously, Karfreitag is the day that marks the suffering and death of Christ. Catholic churches don’t celebrate regular Mass – instead, a special service is held around 3:00 p.m., the socalled „ninth hour,“ believed to be the moment of Christ’s death. Altars are left bare, church bells fall silent, and in some areas, soft percussion instruments replace the usual chimes.

In many regions, in the past, there was also a Tanzverbot, a ban on dancing, music, and public celebrations! Moreover, still now, particularly in Catholic regions eating meat is traditionally avoided as a sign of humility and respect. In strongly Catholic areas like Bavaria or Bensheim in Hesse, solemn processions reenact the crucifixion, drawing large crowds in a powerful display of faith.

Nowadays, throughout the Easter period, and even the weeks before the Sunday, classical music takes center stage. On Karfreitag, it’s common to listen to Bach’s St. John Passion or St. Matthew Passion, monumental works with choirs, orchestras, and soloists. If you´re curious to experience it, in Berlin the Staatsoper hosts the annual Festtage festival, originally dedicated to Wagner but now also featuring masterpieces by Verdi, Brahms, and Beethoven.

The art of Easter Eggs

As Easter approaches, German homes begin to blossom with spring decor: colorful ribbons, wreaths, fresh flowers, and large branches of blooming forsythia, willow, or cherry, arranged in vases or used to decorate gardens. These branches are hung with hand-painted eggs, a beloved activity for children and adults alike.

One of the most unique egg-decorating traditions comes from the Sorbs, a Slavic ethnic minority in Brandenburg and Saxony. Their Easter eggs are true works of art, created by dipping the eggs in wax and decorating them with detailed patterns—a process that can take anywhere from 90 minutes to six hours depending on the technique! These beautifully crafted eggs are usually used as centerpieces, playful objects for games, and even enjoyed as part of the Easter feast.

In some regions, like Thuringia, they’re hung on an Osterbaum—an Easter tree that brings a spring twist to the Christmas tree concept.

Easter Sunday: Family, food, and chocolate hunt

Easter Sunday is a time for family. The day often begins with a festive breakfast or brunch featuring Osterbrot, a sweet braided bread made with butter, milk, raisins, and candied fruit. The three parts of the braid are a representation of the Holy Trinity.

Colorful hard-boiled eggs, pastries, and lots of chocolate are a must! Indeed, one of the most anticipated moments for kids is the Easter egg hunt. The Easter Bunny hides them little gifts—mostly chocolate bunnies and colorful eggs—around the house or garden in nests and baskets, turning the afternoon into a joyful treasure hunt.

Lunch or dinner traditionally features lamb, a powerful Christian symbol representing Jesus, the “Lamb of God” sacrificed for humanity. If the weather is nice and there’s still energy after the feast, it’s common to go for a long walk. Goethe himself captured this tradition in his poem „Outside the City Gate„, where Doctor Faust looks at the Easter crowds while heading to the hills towering above the city, marveling at nature’s rebirth:

[…]

Look down, where the town’s in sight.
That cavernous, dark gate,
The colourful crowd penetrate,
All will take the sun today,
The Risen Lord they’ll celebrate,
And feel they are resurrected,
From low houses, dully made,
From work, where they’re constricted,
From the roofs’ and gables’ weight,
From the crush of narrow streets,
From the churches’ solemn night
They’re all brought to the light.

[…]

Osterfeuer, Easter Fires

In the countryside, especially in northern Germany, Easter bonfires—socalled Osterfeuer—light up the evening skies. Held in open fields or village outskirts, these events have a lively, festive atmosphere with food stalls, live music, and, of course, litres of beer.

But this tradition goes way back—long before Christianity arrived. Ancient Germanic tribes would light fires to celebrate the arrival of spring, chase away winter spirits, and bless the land with fertility and renewal. Over time, as Christianity spread, these pagan rituals were reinterpreted. The fire came to symbolize Christ’s resurrection—the light conquering darkness, life overcoming death.

Living in Berlin means navigating through a myriad of events, cultural happenings bursting from every corner, and immersing yourself in the beauty of art in all its forms. From music in clubs and pubs, bars, and concert halls to museums, art exhibitions, and street art, the city offers an endless stream of cultural experiences all year round. Among these, one event stands out as Berlin’s „showcase of the free world“ deeply rooted in its history: the Berlinale, Berlin International Film Festival.

Founded in 1951 at the start of the Cold War—during which Berlin became both a stage and a symbol—the Berlinale reflects the city’s unique cultural, political, and social dynamics. Destroyed by World War II and later divided, Berlin is a place where diverse ideas meet and clash, creating a vibrant intellectual and artistic ferment. The festival was conceived and organized by Oscar Martay, an American officer stationed in West Berlin, who secured funding from the U.S. military to launch its first edition. The goal was to rebuild the identity and consciousness of people devastated by the war through artistic expression.

This year, the Berlinale runs from February 13 to 23. While the first few days have already flown by—and you may have been lucky enough to experience them—the festival’s program is still packed with must-see films. And if you don’t manage to get tickets in time, don’t worry! It’s still a great opportunity to stay informed, keep an eye on upcoming film releases, take notes, and engage in discussions about a wide range of topics.

Below is part of my personal selection of films that caught my attention—ones worth watching now, or in the coming months when they will become available in theaters or on streaming platforms:

• After This Death, by Lucio Castro – While on one of her usual mountain hikes, Isabel meets the enigmatic Elliott, a musician with whom she instantly feels a deep connection—only for him to vanish without a trace soon after. The disappointment forces her to confront the cracks in her married life, revealing her own vulnerabilities and insecurities. Now, she must embark on a journey of self-discovery and identity.

• Das Deutsche Volk, by Marcin Wierzchowski: The documentary chronicles the 2020 racist attack in Hanau, Germany, which left nine young people dead, as seen through the eyes of the victims‘ families and survivors. It highlights their ongoing struggle with grief, the fight for recognition, and the lack of support from authorities in the aftermath of the tragedy. The film is also an exposition of the inadequacies of a system unprepared for right-wing violence, leaving the victims‘ families to uncover the truth on their own.
• Dar Band. Citizen-Inmate, by Hesam Eslami: If we consider the world as a structure similar to the panopticon, where powers constantly surveil the subjugated, what would happen if the roles were reversed? What if the prisoners were the ones watching their guards, and the system of domination was turned upside down? This documentary confronts us with the rapid advancement of technology, a society struggling to keep up, and the overwhelming political systems, while exploring ways of resistance that can challenge established power.

If you’re interested in rediscovering pieces of Berlin’s past, or if you’d like to experience the city through the pages of books—carrying a piece of Berlin with you even when you leave, to cherish whenever you find yourself missing it back home—then this article is for you.

Berlin, with its multifaceted and dynamic nature, has inspired a variety of narratives that offer readers a journey through the city’s cultural and temporal depths. Below, I’ve gathered some book recommendations about Berlin: books set in Berlin, that talk about Berlin, and that explore life in the city from various perspectives.

– The Passenger: Berlin

The Passenger: Berlin is one of the books in The Passengers series, published by Iperborea and Europa Editions, which, if you haven’t yet discovered, I strongly recommend checking out. This series is a kind of travel guide, but far from the usual guides that simply point out the best places to eat or suggest set itineraries. Instead, The Passengers guides blend investigative pieces, newspaper articles, narratives, and reflections on a wide range of topics about the places they portray.

The Berlin guide combines photography, art, and reportage that intersect within the city. As Karl Scheffler once said, “Berlin is a place doomed to always become, never be”, and this book captures that spirit. Within its pages, you’ll find pieces tracing Berlin’s history from the 1990s onward—the roots of contemporary Berlin and the foundations of what we see today in a city still in flux, a place brimming with potential.

The Passenger: Berlin – AA.VV.

– Friedrichstraße 19, Emma Harding

Set around number 19 Friedrichstraße, this story brings together a diverse cast of characters: a cabaret singer, a young Jewish woman, a porn photographer, an orphan taken in by his uncle, a newly divorced woman, and a terrorist. Their intertwined relationships, encounters, and conflicts weave a portrait of a city teeming with varied stories, contrasting experiences, and shadowed depths.

Friedrichstrasse 19 – Emma Harding

– Berlin Alexanderplatz, Alfred Döblin

Franz Biberkopf is back on the streets of Berlin, aiming for a fresh start after prison. But fate seems determined to pull him down, dragging him through a world, thugs, and outcasts. Enduring one setback after another, Franz struggles to stay on his feet until a final, devastating blow threatens to break him for good.

Berlin Alexanderplatz is a vivid portrayal of Berlin’s life and pulse, capturing its gritty streets, lively pubs, and chaotic rhythm in a mix of news reports, street slang, and Biblical references. First published in 1929, Alfred Döblin’s masterpiece immortalizes the soul of the city.

Berlin Alexanderplatz: Alfred Döblin, Michael Hofmann: 9780141191621: Amazon.com: Book

– Goodbye to Berlin, Christopher Isherwood

Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic, this book is partly autobiographical and examines some of the groups most vulnerable to intimidation, persecution, and violence from Adolf Hitler’s early Nazi followers, portraying their stories and struggles.

Goodbye to Berlin – Christopher Isherwood

– Effingers, Gabriel Tergit

If you’re in the mood to dive into a sweeping family saga that spans nearly a century, don’t miss the story of the Effinger family. Their journey moves from Bismarck’s Germany to the Second World War, tracing the gradual unraveling of bourgeois ideals through historical events, political upheavals, love, relationships, and hardships.

Effingers: Roman – Gabriele Tergit

Nowadays, the need to reduce compulsive clothing purchases from fast fashion stores is becoming more and more urgent. And let´s be honest: is it really worth it? In most cases, we end up wearing those clothes for a season – if we´re lucky, and then throwing them away. However, I truly believe that expressing the personality through style is a fun, creative way to show off who you are, to experiment with different side of yourself, and it can also be an original tool used to build self-esteem.

Whether you´re using your style to communicate who you are to the world, explore your inner self, or simply because you want to show off your vanity, it´s super important to know where to spend your money wisely. Indeed, why not find unique pieces that are both stylish and sustainable?

Thrifting in Berlin is a unique experience. The city is bursting with vintage shops, weekly markets, and street corners practically overflowing with second-hand clothes and all kind of items – often in excellent condition! You´ll discover vintage clothing that´s not only high-quality, but also unique. Whether you´re into retro, chic, or quirky, there´s something for everyone. Plus, a lot of these places are often packed with wonderful objects, jewelry, accessories, and home décor items.

Below, you´ll find a very small selection of vintage stores and markets I´ve discovered here in Berlin, that are definitely worth checking out.

• HFOC – Home Full of Clothes

In the Prenzlauer Berg area, you can’t miss HFOC, a unique store with an incredible selection of bags, sunglasses, and original shoes. Moreover, they often organise events with dj sets and live music.

Bonus tip: HFOC is currently teaming up with a Laundromat at Stargarderstr. 74, where you can snag some awesome vintage Adidas pieces!

Homefullofclothes – Google Maps

• UTI EXI

Founded in 2021, UTI EXI is a Berlin-based fashion brand that focuses on upcycling, creating one-of-a-kind fashion items by exclusively using existing materials. The name, derived from the Latin uti existentium meaning „use the existing,“ perfectly captures their philosophy of sustainability.

UTI EXI is dedicated to transforming the fashion industry by repurposing discarded textiles into fresh, modern clothing and accessories.

UTI EXI (@utiexi_official) • Instagram-Fotos und -Videos

• SCHÖNEBERG FLEA MARKET

Usually, it takes place every two Sundays, and it´s classified as an „art and second-hand market“. Here you can find a lot of cool stuffs, like second-hand clothes – in particular, vintage Levi´s denim! -, every kind of vintage items, collectibles, arts and crafts, and everyday used goods.

Flohmarkt Schöneberg – Google Maps

• ARKONAPLATZ FLEA MARKET

In Berlin-Mitte you can find every Sunday, all year round, the historical Arkonaplatz flea market. It offers a mix of antiques, books, art, vintage, furniture.

You´ll also find many unique items from the former East Germany (DDR), making it a treasure trove for collectors.

Arkonapl. – Google Maps

• RAW MARKET

Located not too far from Warschauer Straße station, the RAW Market is located in a underground venue, between bars and clubs.

The offer usually includes bags, clothes, jewelry, decorative objects, antiques. Moreover, it is plenty of food stands of snacks and street food from all over the world.

RAW-Gelände – Google Maps

• KARLSHORST MARKET

It is one of the most original flea market I found in Berlin. It is the place for anyone who loves high-quality antiques, and cultural treasures from every decade.

Here you´ll find rare books, artwork, antique mirrors, pocket watches, porcelain, silverware. Moreovere, there is a wide range of old postcards, stamps, coins, vinyl records, movie posters, beer steins, toys. There´s plenty of secondhand finds and retro goods from the 50s, 70s, and beyond.

Antikflohmarkt Trabrennbahn Berlin Karlshorst – Google Maps

• TUNTENHAUS

Tuntenhaus is one of the oldest – and sadly, one of the last – queer and gay housing project in Berlin. While it doesn´t have a regular flea market, it often hosts pop-up vintage markets where you can find just about anything. Plus, it´s a fantastic opportunity to support an historical space that stands as a symbol of Berlin´s queer resistance.

Tuntenhaus Bleibt – Google Maps

You’ve likely noticed it yourself during these first days: Berlin is an open-air museum. Every corner of this city unearths pieces of history that define its nature, telling stories of trauma, glory, and the passing of countless people who have shaped its complex and unique past. Berlin’s culture is the result of a rich, often contrasting, blend of influences — cultures, traditions, and ideas that have lived in and continue to live in this city.

A cornerstone of Berlin’s vibrant cultural identity is its underground and club scene, which has now become the city’s signature, attracting tourists from all over the world. I bet that you too were drawn here out of curiosity about Berlin’s legendary clubbing culture, among other reasons!

Indeed, you’re right: the city’s hedonistic, intense, alternative, and disorienting atmosphere is palpable in many corners, creating a unique backdrop for those seeking to experience something different.

However, Berlin’s club culture is much more than a recent tourist attraction or an economic boon, and it can’t be reduced to stories and myths about elusive entry strategies to the city’s exclusive clubs. The roots of Berlin’s nightlife are deeply intertwined with its historical trajectory. It all began in the 1990s: the Berlin Wall had fallen, and for the first time in decades, the divided halves of the city were reunited. There was an overwhelming sense of celebration, joy, and reunification in the air, mixed with the anxiety and unease that accompanied such a radical shift. The collapse of the Wall signaled not only the end of a geographical division but also an ideological and political one. This newfound unity breathed life into creativity that had long been buried under the weight of division. For this reason, abandoned Soviet buildings were repurposed into spaces for collective expression and community, where the past could be left behind, and where openness, fluidity, and freedom were celebrated.

The birth of Berlin’s club culture emerged from this period of transformation — from trauma, pain, and a basic human need for connection. The dancefloors of these newly occupied spaces became sacred, inclusive places where everyone was welcome, no matter their background. These spaces offered something liberating: a chance to escape constant surveillance and, instead, to connect with others and with oneself. Beyond the music and nightlife, Berlin’s clubs serve as vital sanctuaries for marginalized communities, particularly Black and queer groups. They create safe spaces that challenge societal norms and conventions, providing an escape from the pressures, and social norms of the sorrounding urban spaces. These venues offer a protective bubble where respect is mutual, and everyone can shed the labels the outside world may impose.

In the years since the fall of the Wall, Berlin’s club culture has evolved into a global phenomenon. While it’s easy to be captivated by its mystique and allure, it’s essential to recognize it as a product of the city’s history — a living, breathing expression of Berlin’s resilience, inclusivity, and unyielding creative spirit.

There are countless Berlin clubs worth visiting, and it’s important to highlight that, unlike many other cities you’ve probably been to, Berlin clubs aren’t just a reflection of the city’s nightlife. These venues are also spaces where you can spend afternoons or mornings immersed in freedom, good music, conversations with friends or the people you meet there. For me personally, they’re most places where I reconnect with positive energy that nourishes my soul. Here, I’ve decided to share my very personal list of the three Berlin clubs I enjoy the most.

Warning!: These spots break away from the usual Berlin club aesthetic that’s often talked about, and surprisingly, they’re vibrant, and colorful!

– Heideglühen

Right in the middle of the busy traffic of the Wedding district, hidden among scrap metal and shabby wooden shacks that give nothing away, lies Heide. Step inside, and you’ll find a dreamy, relaxed, and happy oasis, full of smiling faces and top-notch music, mostly house. Open from Saturday afternoon through to Sunday evening, it’s the perfect weekend escape. Lineups usually drop every Wednesday on their website and Instagram, so you can plan your groove in advance!

– Sisyphos

Almost on the edge of Friedrichshain, and right across from the tram tracks and sorrounded by chimneys and industrial vibes, you’ll spot Sisyphos from a mile away – thanks to the giant gate with two ducks and the circus tent peeking out from inside. Once you’re in, it’s a whole new world. Just imagine a little village with dance floors, chill-out nooks, a sandy beach open during the summer, and a cozy bar in the winter where you can sip on a hot tea or a coffee. More than a spot for electronic, house, ambient, and techno music, Sisy is a full-on artistic playground, with circus shows and magical performances.

https://sisyphos-berlin.net/

– Club der Visionäre

More than just a typical club, the Club der Visionäre is a super chill spot, perched on a platform over the river, making it the perfect hangout for summer days, late summer evenings, and even those autumn and spring afternoons. Completely open-air, it’s got a bar, multiple levels, and a steady lineup of DJ set covering all kinds of genres. It’s the kind of place where you can chill, have fun, listen to great music, and soak up the laid-back vibes of the sorroundings.

https://clubdervisionaere.com/