The Death of Dance?

Click on Love Parade to read about the event's triumphant return, or read on for a full history...

The biggest dance event in the world peaked in 1999, when an estimated one and a half million ravers flocked onto the streets of Berlin for one almighty celebration of love and hedonism. It was a fitting end to a decade which saw dance music explode from the underground and dominate airwaves and dancefloors alike for ten heady years. As the millenium ushered in a new era however the Love Parade, and dance music itself, began to decline in popularity. In 2002 and 2003 a mere 750,000 turned up for the event and sponsors began to get cold feet. When two major backers pulled out, organisers were forced to cancel the 2004 and 2005 Parades. Only time would tell whether the Berlin Love Parade was a spent force - a dinosaur of a past age; or a sleeping knight, ready to awake when the world needs him most!

The Love Parade began life as something of a political movement way back in the summer of '89, and four months before the fall of the Berlin Wall. It was organised on the initiative of Matthias Roeingh, aka "Dr. Motte", a DJ of the Berlin underground scene who wanted to use the international language of music as a medium for spreading peace and love, and promoting world unity. In his words: "Music knows no boundaries or nationalities." Some have argued that that these philanthropic sentiments were always secondary to the primary purpose of throwing a massive drug-fuelled, techno orgy.

Whatever the original motives, the Love Parade grew exponentially from its humble beginnings in 1989 - with one truck and 150 people - into the world's biggest dance festival. It became an event that completely took over Berlin for one day of every summer, right up until 2003. In fact by 1996 the event had already grown so big that organisers moved it from the Ku'damm (Kurfürstendamm) shopping avenue in Charlottenburg to the Tiegarten Park, where the expansive Strasse Des 17. Juni could better accommodate the masses.

The Love Parade usually started about 2pm, going on to the evening and then splitting into innumerable afterparties at night as the whole city was transformed into a vast club. At its peak the Parade featured fifty gigantic trucks where up to 250 DJs would blast out house and techno to the expectant revellers. Two common tactics for enjoying the day were to either walk beside a certain truck that you liked the sound of, or to stay still and soak up the different vibes of each van and its followers. The liberal, hedonistic crowd soon became famous for their inventive dress sense, exhibitionistic - and often kinky - tendencies, and for their 'back-in-the-day' rave costumes, which would include furry leg-warmers, glow-sticks and of course plenty of whistles. The festival's original cries for love and tolerance were rarely impeached and incidences of crime were always surprisingly low for such a big event.

Despite it's enormous success in the '90s, in the mid-noughties the Love Parade was in serious danger of submerging completely. Originally billed as a political demonstration, the German state had been legally responsible for policing and clearing up after the event. However in 2001, after years of legal wrangling, the courts ruled that the Parade had become a commercial event and was responsible for paying for itself. At first organisers rose to the challenge and sponsors were found, but its declining popularity and perceived significance meant that, since 2004, the required capital could not be raised. There were many that thought the Love Parade would never raise its magnanimous head in Berlin again...

Thank the Gods above though, these pessimistic forecasts were banished in 2006 when the Love Parade made a surprise - and triumpant comeback. The organisers found new sponsorship and a staggering 1,200,000 people took to the capital's streets to celebrate the event's return. It seems that there is hope yet for peace, love and hedonism on Planet Earth!

Finally, if you can't make it to Berlin for the 2007 Love Parade, then just remember that the legacy of the Love Parade now stretches out to a number of amazing cities around the world: Santiago, Acapulco, San Francisco and Tel-Aviv were amongst hosts for parties in 2005 and 2006!

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	agreed with jack.! jst got wayyy to rowdyy and the organization was messed up
reviewed by Nic from United States on Jul.31.2010

	"Death of Dance?", "Dance of Death?", Maybe it's just simply... "To Die For!"
reviewed by Jack from United Kingdom on Jul.26.2010

	my heart gos out to everybody who lost there lives .and to everybody who whitnessed the tragedy..and friends and families of the victoms! what a terrible way to lose a loved one..at an event supposed to be about the love a music and friends and fun! xxxxx R.I.P
reviewed by lisa butler from Ireland on Jul.25.2010

	RIP to all those who lost their lives and I hope the injured recover soon...and the organizers consider all aspects of safety next time, what a senseless loss of life!
reviewed by Noreen Sweeney from Ireland on Jul.24.2010

	I was in Berlin for the 1994 Love Parade. Actually, my ex and I just happened across it, on our way through Eastern Europe. I was so excited by it, that I wanted to visit Berlin on the way back. Berlin was fun during the Love Parade, but not such an exciting place after. The Linden trees though, are beautiful.
reviewed by dini from Canada on Jul.01.2010

	it is awsome so many sexy wemen
reviewed by siobhan from Australia on May.24.2010

	OMG!!!!! i want to go soo bad, i saw the love parade first on a movie called "chacing liberty"..... and now i cant wait till ill turn 18 to go, im sooo excited!!!!!!!
reviewed by lizzy from United States on Apr.10.2010

	this is great its not every day you can find something great to write about with a report but really is there that much nakedness to the parade?
reviewed by Patricia from United States on Mar.03.2010

	i want 2 go but im stuck @home nd board. im sexy so let me go but nooo i cant it luks soooo fun
reviewed by Nya from United States on Mar.02.2010

	i want 2 go but im stuck @home nd board. im sexy so let me go but nooo i cant it luks soooo fun
reviewed by Nya from United States on Mar.02.2010

	Love the Parade whoop babey
reviewed by shauna from United States on Oct.05.2009

	Hope it will continue!!! I like MUCH!
reviewed by Nick Niceman from United States on Sep.29.2009

	very nice
reviewed by yky2003 from China on Sep.27.2009

	hopefully the parade will neva die and hopefuly one day i'll get ove to Berlin to witness this cool festival
reviewed by Jacqueline Quinn from Australia on Mar.22.2009

	plenty of girls. sounds like my type of festival ;)
reviewed by HANNAH LETHLEAN from Australia on Mar.16.2009

	Hello everybody, from Colombia, i went there in 2001 then fall in love with dance music, and now this year 2008 i went back to dortmund, I love berlin as it does for dortmund, hope loveparade never dies, this plur society, or this ppl dancing around for love peace, come on this is the best parade of the wolrd and electronic music guides all to this good porpouse, thx Germany!!!!
reviewed by Daedube from Colombia on Dec.20.2008

	Omg! im doing a report on this too! in my German class! my friend calls it the estacy-fest...lol...
reviewed by Shelby from United States on Dec.12.2008

	i am Doing a report on this
reviewed by Arissa from United States on Nov.11.2008

Guys every time I look at this site it reminds me of absolute unity and..........Love!!!It pains me that as yet I havnt been however most of my best memories have been of nights Ive been to in oz that your top ranking dj'S have played. Carl cox??? CHAMPION!!!fuken champion of our industry, FERRY CORSTEN??? 2 good doesnt deserve to be called a dj along with Carl cox he is an absolute "GOD" to each and every one of us!. I cant w8 to see the extravaganza that is LOVE PARADE and i cant congratul8 the organisres etc on there FANTASTIC work!In these times of financial meltdown,terorism,and hardship the ONE thing the only thing that unites the human spirit for love and unity is DANCE MUSIC!!!! keep up the gr8 work of promoting the parade and I hope its something my kids get to see when they are my age!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FUGen gr8 one guys.

reviewed by simon from Australia on Nov.11.2008

	the love parade s probably the sexist parade in the world. dont lie you no its true
reviewed by stevenmikeel nor from United States on Nov.10.2008

	the love parade s probably the sexist parade in the world. dont lie you no its true
reviewed by stevenmikeel nor from United States on Nov.10.2008

	There is actually going to be the B-Parade, which is like the Love Parade light! That takes place in July 2009. I am going to go because I miss the Berlin Love Parade and the two outside of Berlin have sucked! Too many people for too small a town and it rained! So let me know if you plan to go and maybe we can meet up! This will be my 5th time I think!
reviewed by Patrick Gerald Kennedy from United States on Nov.06.2008

	I can't wait till i can go to the love parade!!! it's gonna be fricken awesome!!! only 2 more years :P
reviewed by Britney from Australia on Oct.21.2008

	hola a todos, alguien va este 2009, yo muchas ganas de asistir y danzar.
reviewed by Fer from Spain on Oct.19.2008

	why is the love paarade so good like its just a parade nufin fancy!!!!!!!!! i think its boring
reviewed by watevee from Australia on Oct.08.2008

	i want to know more about the lay out and styles of the trucks im stuck in my home town and wating to get the age and finace to tavle to eather sand fransico or berlin
reviewed by joe from United States on May.20.2008

	its sat 19th july- ul ave to go for near a week though for all the parties :D canny wait :D
reviewed by jenna from United Kingdom on Apr.09.2008

	Yeah this is a bitchen PArade!!!! When is the next one?!!!
reviewed by nicki burke from United States on Apr.02.2008

	Realy into my techno music- used to be a dancer- always heard about the love parade and always wanted to go, i told myself this year was the year :D going from the wednesday to the tues and cant wait :D
reviewed by Jenna from United Kingdom on Mar.08.2008

	I think 1.5 mill could be there.Last year in Essen the date was released to late so alot couldnt fly in ...Im partying friday night then heading back monday ..How did you know about the loveparade if you dont mind me asking?
reviewed by from United Kingdom on Mar.07.2008

	cheers. yes 4 of us headers are flyin from Northern Ireland to London and then on to Dortmund. Do you think they wil get 1.5 million turning up at it? and regarding drink- do you bring your own alcohol????? i plan to party from the wednesday i get there til the tuesday :)
reviewed by Jena from United Kingdom on Feb.27.2008

	It runs on till 12pm but there will be after parties going into late morning Jenna
reviewed by rhurbarb from United Kingdom on Feb.25.2008

	It runs on till 12pm but there will be after parties going into late morning Jenna
reviewed by rhurbarb from United Kingdom on Feb.25.2008

	yes you will love it ..Its a free open festival you just walk in and stagger out....guess your flying with easyjet cause that seems to be the only airline flying from uk
reviewed by rhurbarb from United Kingdom on Feb.25.2008

	yes you will love it ..Its a free open festival you just walk in and stagger out....guess your flying with easyjet cause that seems to be the only airline flying from uk
reviewed by rhurbarb from United Kingdom on Feb.25.2008

	I have booked flights for the love parade this year. Can i ask, I definately dont need a ticket do i? and does it run on all night? I DJ techno and house music- so do you all think i will love the love parade??? what about alcohol, do you bring your own??
reviewed by Jenna from United Kingdom on Feb.24.2008

	hey Ben from Australia why do you go to the love parade if you dont even like elektronik music!! it is obvious that you wouldnt like it , i also was there and it was awesome !! best party ever and i hope it can be in berlin again
reviewed by alexandra from Colombia on Jan.17.2008

	i went last year it it the most boring thing in the world the music was shit and the girls were ugly
reviewed by ben from Australia on Jan.10.2008

	I was at the Love Parade in 2001, and I must tell you: I surrended! I didn't like tecno, and I still don't, but this party is so massive, so increadibly big and beautifull. I miss it very much when I see the pictures and videos... I hope to be back there one day. Long life to the Love Parade!!! Cheers!
reviewed by Manu from Portugal on Dec.01.2007

	I was at the Love Parade in 2001, and I must tell you: I surrended! I didn't like tecno, and I still don't, but this party is so massive, so increadibly big and beautifull. I miss it very much when I see the pictures and videos... I hope to be back there one day. Long life to the Love Parade!!! Cheers!
reviewed by Manu from Portugal on Dec.01.2007

	I love Love Parade, and i think that I'm not old to dance, drink, and get crazy in 38!!!!
reviewed by Alexandra from Montenegro on Nov.12.2007

	hi ,i am from iran. i love all people in world, i like to go to berlin for love parade i saw it from vox tv i love freedom.i dislike ahmadinejad my people like all bye
reviewed by arash from United States on Nov.01.2007

	I really want to go to th Berlin Love Parade! Maybe next year!
reviewed by Zen from United States on Oct.19.2007

	aahhh yeah!!! Das great!! IDONEUS!!!
reviewed by andrew from United States on Sep.11.2007

	I think the loveparade is the only place where anyone can go to express their love for music and each other...its AWSOME
reviewed by justin s from United States on Sep.05.2007

	The Love Parade is a Magical event that noone in this world should miss! It represents Love, Unity, Happiness, and Humanity in the best shape and form ever in the world. YOU HAVE TO GO TO AT LEAST ONE IN GERMANY THE BIRTH PLACE!!
reviewed by Mil from United States on Aug.15.2007

My rating of this page is poor because of some of this peoples brokened this magical atmosphere.I read all the comments smoking meenwhile some good sh*t,and i laughed many times on their opinions.i don't want to comment others but it seems to me that i have to deal with some of you people who don't have anything else to do just to critisize.Srry first for my bad english,but i'm a mad raver from romania,who was borned for electronic music,and desperately need some good material every single day(believe me i know you are many like me)But think about it,i'm busting my ass for further informations,not to mention financiary money and organisations of our small group who represent us from our poor country on the bigest electronic dance street parade worldwide,and then some of u came with questions & doubts.NOOO this year the loveparade will go on.the exact date is on 25 august 2007,in a big cultural town named ESSEN,near DORTMUND.If u don't believe me guys & chicks verify me on the official site of the LP.U will find many other details(that just in the case if u are really really interested of this party,not just make bad comments & critics).Just think about it this is the first time for me to make my dream come true and make it reality.Shame on those who went to LP once or twice as i read it and still judging this party.The message still remained L.O.V.E.& PEACE,understanding between this variety of nations unified under the flag of happinesss,joy fun,instead of violence and other bad behaviour.Finally what more i can say soem of u folks really disappoint me(for me people u are not real loveparade fans,shame on u.)Anyway ALL YOU PEOPLE u are welcomed on this mass party with warmness.Musicaly speaking u will sure find you're style.In ESSEN i think this will be the first time when will be dancing under the sunshine of techno,hard house,clubbin',progressive,minimal,electro,d & b,trance u.v.a.i will waiting for u people patiently like i'm waiting for this mega event(1 month remained).If some of u need a talk,just send me e-mails and u will receive a qucik response from me as soon as possible.For those who work hard,this is a great opportunity to relax & chill,and to forget all your problems.Until then love rullz & peace for all my soundloverz!!!!!!!!!!!!!

reviewed by VERTYGO from Romania on Jul.22.2007

	The love parade in Berlin is the gratest show that I ever saw.
reviewed by Tany from Russia on Jul.20.2007

OMG.. this year the love parade was in my beatufiful magic diverse latin american country of VENEZUELA.. the 25 of june.. and i was beautiful beside some oraganitations issues that made the event finised earyer than expected =( 6pm(it supossed 2 star 8am/finish 8pm) still it was so magic and beautil so much music and people.. really wath venezuela needed !!! =D

yeeeiii viva el amor y la paz electronica ;) ^^

reviewed by rebk from Venezuela on Jul.07.2007

	I went to the Love Parade last year and I have to admit I think about it everyday. What a show Berlin the city put on for us. Thank you Berliners!
reviewed by bonkerz from Australia on May.13.2007

	O-man...christ on a bike the love parade is so amazing...picture it as a party in the stars and that everyone is invited. went to the 2003 parade and the 2006 parade! AAAAmaziung!
reviewed by Lilboyblue from United States on May.08.2007

	I am still waiting to see when and where the Berlin Love Parade is being held? Does anyone know? I need a place to dance and party outside and go wild with a lot of people. We just can't do it in Los Angeles. Please email me and let me know. I arrive in Europe july 2nd. Thanks Patgenken@yahoo.com
reviewed by Patrick Gerald Kennedy from United States on May.04.2007

	the Loveparade is the greatest party in the world, is something magical that all the people should live and understand, the magic of electronic music, the spirit of it and how it shows the world how it should be. love never dies, as loveparade is going to be alwyas in our hearts as berlin is for all the people that go there.
reviewed by Daedube from Colombia on May.01.2007

	There in the 90's wot a pukka time!!!
reviewed by Adrian from United Kingdom on Mar.27.2007

	ma live is sex+love+girl
reviewed by 50 p from United States on Mar.13.2007

	Love parade is the best way to have a relax!I LOVE that kind of relaxation!!!!
reviewed by dmitry from Latvia on Mar.08.2007

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