Through the lens of volunteer Tomás – Carnival of Cultures in Berlin (19 May 2024)
Every March and September, CABUWAZI welcomes a new group of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world as part of the European Solidarity Corps. During their service at CABUWAZI they support our 6 circus locations across Berlin. These volunteers bring their diverse talents and enthusiasm, helping us strengthen our mission to offer a safe, inclusive space where young people can express themselves and grow through the art of circus.
Among our current volunteers is Tomás Sapia, who joined in March 2024 and contributed his skills in photography, videography, and writing to document several ESC projects, capturing the dedication and commitment of everyone involved, the vibrant spirit of our community, showcasing the diversity and creativity that define CABUWAZI. The documentations of Tomás spanned a variety of exciting events and projects, each offering a unique experience for our voluntering participants.
Read the about his impressions of Carnival of Cultures, that he attend with the volunteers crew in May:
“The Carnival of Cultures is a multicultural festival held every year in Kreuzberg, Berlin, since 1996, coinciding with the Pentecost weekend. Organized by the Werkstatt der Kulturen, the festival celebrates peace, tolerance, and multiculturalism through vibrant processions, theatrical performances, and musical events. It’s a space where the diverse cultures that inhabit Berlin come together to share and celebrate what makes them unique. This year, I had the privilege of participating with CABUWAZI, a circus from Berlin that took part in the festivities. We joined the procession wearing colorful and beautiful costumes representing the four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. It was an impressive visual display, where every detail was designed to symbolize the harmony and power of nature.
Personally, I dedicated myself to documenting the festival with my camera, capturing every moment from the streets of Berlin while hundreds of people admired us.The energy in the streets was indescribable. We were accompanied by other projects from different cultures, creating an incredibly rich blend of sounds, colors, and expressions. Behind us, a Brazilian band marched, their infectious rhythm encouraging us to dance and prompting us to showcase the best of our performance. For me, it was a particularly special experience. I am Latino, and sometimes, living in Europe, I miss the warmth and flavor of my homeland. But in that moment, while dancing to the Brazilian music, I felt I could reconnect with that essence that I miss so much. The warmth of the Brazilian music, the movement of the bodies, and the energy transmitted through the dance took me back home, if only for a moment. It was as if, through those sounds and that festive atmosphere, I could once again experience the passion and spirit of Latin America that I always carry with me.
I was thrilled to share that moment not only with the audience but also with my fellow CABUWAZI members and the diversity of cultures surrounding us. The Carnival of Cultures is undoubtedly a celebration of diversity at its finest. But beyond diversity, for me, it was an opportunity to feel connected to my roots, to remember where I come from, and to see how, even in a cosmopolitan city like Berlin, cultures can intertwine so naturally. At the end of the day, what I take away is that feeling of unity, belonging, and shared joy. It was a reminder that no matter where you are, it’s always possible to find a piece of your home through art, music, and dance.” – Tomás Sapia
