Annual trek by state officials to Berlin
The Stallwatcher Party, a traditional summer event in Berlin, is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary this week, but the festivities are not without controversy. The event, which originated as a social gathering among Berliners involved in the horse trade and stable work, has evolved into a cultural celebration of old Berlin customs. However, questions about political associations, exclusivity, and financial support have put the Stallwatcher Party in the spotlight.
The Stallwatcher Party, held in historic venues across the city, features traditional music, food, and costumes reminiscent of 19th-century stable workers and tradespeople. This year's event is expected to attract approximately 1,800 guests, including high-ranking representatives from federal and state politics, ministers, and celebrities.
However, Transparency International Germany has criticised the financial support of the festival by economic partners, claiming it allows for paid lobbying that is banned under the rules of the federal lobby register. Certain sponsors, including automobile manufacturers, food retailers, pharmaceutical companies, and banks, gain direct access to top political decision-makers, the right to send their own guests, and even have their own tables at the event with sufficient contributions.
Critics argue that the event can appear exclusionary, focusing on a very specific historical group associated with a romanticized version of Berlin’s past, often ignoring the diversity of modern Berlin and the contributions of various communities. Some voices have raised concerns about the portrayal and commercialization of working-class traditions, suggesting that such parties can sometimes reduce complex histories to kitschy entertainment.
In recent years, the Stallwatcher Party has become one of the largest summer parties in the capital, with numerous companies involved as partners and exhibitors. The costs of the party were supplemented by cash and in-kind contributions worth nearly €780,000 from partners last year.
Despite the controversies, the Stallwatcher Party remains a unique and culturally rich event that celebrates traditional trades and community spirit. For visitors and locals alike, understanding both its heritage and the contemporary debates can enrich the experience of this quirky Berlin festivity.
If you're interested, you can find more information about the Stallwatcher Party, including its history and when the next event is scheduled.
- The Stallwatcher Party, with its rich history and cultural significance, has attracted attention for its financial policy and associations, with controversies surrounding funded lobbying by economic partners and perceived exclusivity.
- The Stallwatcher Party, a key summer event in Berlin, features traditional elements while balancing between heritage and modern debates, attracting criticism for its perceived focus on a specific historical group and potential commercialization of working-class traditions.
- The Stallwatcher Party, drawing an annual audience of approximately 1,800 guests, from politicians to celebrities, maintains partnerships and receives substantial financial support from various industries such as automobile manufacturing, food retail, pharmaceuticals, and banking, raising questions about lobbying practices in light of the federal lobby register's rules.
