The Amerikafest 2008 which took place on July 5th on Pariser Platz at the foot of the Brandenburg Gate brought together a crowd of 350,000 visitors eager to celebrate the inauguration of the new American Embassy to Germany in Berlin. The mayor of the city, Klaus Wowereit, held a speech for the opening of the festivities and emphasized Berliners’ appreciation for the support and encouragement they have received from the United States and the American people over the last sixty years.
Besides the cultural animations, which went on all day and into the night, and the Imbiss Buden displaying a wide range of German-influenced American snacks, the Amerikafest was also the opportunity to offer and gather information about transatlantic organizations, groups, societies, and platforms for intercultural exchange.
Quite naturally, atlantic-community.org was there too! Represented with a stand where we could inform and introduce the community, our mission, and our ideals, we were able to suggest to those with a real interest in our work and purpose to become a member and join the debate. Though many did not expect much more from the event than freebies, good music, and sunshine, discussing transatlantic issues with a wide range of people from all walks of life highlighted the potential and the importance of the atlantic-community.org’s awareness-raising enterprise.
The Amerikafest was also the opportunity to conduct interviews among a crowd of German and international visitors. A starting point for the discussion was the provocative question “Does Europe need America?” This led to discussing in what ways transatlantic relations could be improved and enhanced in order to achieve a constructive partnership for the future. The answer to the initial question was consensual and met with unanimous approval. Many however highlighted the reciprocal character of the transatlantic relationship - the extent to which America needs Europe too.
For the organizers of the Amerikafest, the Federation of German-American Clubs e.V., the 2008 celebrations turned out to be a real success. The weather, the music, and the friendly and responsive visitors contributed to creating a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The enthusiasm of Berliners for the cause of the event demonstrated both their interest in American culture and cooperative initiatives, and their keenness to “welcome back” the American Embassy in the name of a now decades-old, and yet still strong and alive, German-American friendship.
- 3
