Berlin: Techno parade Rave the Planet starts under heightened security

Berlin's Tiergarten became the scene for the "Rave the Planet" techno parade on Saturday, proceeding under significantly increased security. The event, registered as a demonstration, winds through the Straße des 17. Juni, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column.

The parade commenced with a moment of silence, honoring the victims of an Islamist attack that occurred three weeks prior during the city's Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations in the same area. Organizers anticipate a turnout of up to 300,000 participants for this fifth iteration of the event, which aims to promote and protect electronic music culture.

Dr. Motte, a co-founder of the non-profit Rave The Planet organization, addressed the crowd at the opening rally, urging attendees to focus on love. A representative from the CSD association also spoke, calling for courage and a clear stance.

The parade route is near the site where an attacker drove a van into a crowd on July 25, subsequently allegedly attacking people with a machete. That incident resulted in one fatality and at least 31 injuries, some severe. In response, approximately 1,500 police officers are on duty for "Rave the Planet," supported by helicopters and drones. Several roads around Tiergarten are closed, and nearby S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations are affected.