Fan Fest Berlin at World Cup 2006
Fan Fest Berlin was a blast. The strip that runs from the Brandenburg Gate was full of people, old and young, all out for a good time. Plenty of street side bars and snack places selling bratwurst and other German favorites. In front of the Brandenburg Gate a stage was set up and the acts included Brasilian samba band Olodum, who were perfect for the street festival audience. The atmosphere in front of the Brandenburg Gate was of excitement and anticipation. Up to this point I have not seen many Germans wearing their nation’s colors, but at Fan Fest they started to come out.
One great thing here in Berlin is the civilized nature of life. People are cool and there is not a ‘drunken soccer fan’ mentality, as there is in other countries. Of course people here would like to see Germany win, but they also appreciate good football and are open enough to give credit where it’s due.
I saw a father leading his 6 year old son through the crowd. The kid was wearing a Germany shirt, with a Brasil transfer on his cheek. There were many groups of fans who were sporting the colors of different countries. My Japan shirt kicked off a love-fest with a Japanese news crew filming me hugging 3 of their staff, and signing a giant team shirt. Nippon love continued when a Japanese tourist stopped me and asked for a photo. I told him Japan were my favorite team and Nakata was a hero. He asked if I knew why Japan wear blue. The reason, he said, was Japan’s team color is ‘Samurai blue’.
Beer at the Fan Fest was about 3.50 Euro a glass. Berliner pilsner being the prominent brand. I’d say steer clear of the bar next to the TV cameras at the Brandenburg stage, it’s 5 Euro a glass!
Many nationalities are working this World Cup, including ladies from Brasil, working at a Berliner stand, and Kathy from the US. It’s all good fun and even if you are not a football fan, people are here for a good time. The Fan Mile is free to get into and will be a great place to hang out, watch games and meet people once the competition begins.
The Fan Fest wrapped up with fireworks later in the evening. A great way to get in the mood for World Cup Germany 2006.
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Comments
By Ninj | June 8th, 2006 at 7:46 pm 
work you b*stards
Posted from 
United States
By Luise | June 8th, 2006 at 8:11 pm You might want to think about heading over to Bonn for this:
http://www.bonn.de/tourismus_kultur_sport_freizeit/fussball_weltmeisterschaft_2006/00218/index.html?lang=en
By luke | June 11th, 2006 at 7:01 pm the west is behind you Mexico, Beat Iran!!!!!!!
Posted from 
Canada
By Luke | June 11th, 2006 at 7:05 pm the west is with you Mexico.. Beat Iran
Posted from Canada
By Neil McKinnon | June 13th, 2006 at 12:50 pm I have just got back from Berlin fan fest….wow what a weekend, england win & I met so many fans from around the world it was fantastic well done Berlin & Germany.
Posted from 
United Kingdom
By laura | June 14th, 2006 at 8:38 am woohoo!!!
aussie aussie aussie, oi, oi, oi!!!
it was an achievement for us to qualify for the world cup, but winning a game 3-1 against a team ranked 30 places above us, that’s amazing.
by the way. america, you can tell your coach that we aren’t as bad as you think we are. you have to tell him, coz we won’t be seeing him in the comp anymore. we’ve made it through, and you’re on the bottom of the ladder. SUCKERS!!!
Posted from 
Australia
By laura | June 14th, 2006 at 8:40 am Brazil, we’re gonna a put up a fight against you. my bet is the score will be, say 2-1 your way. of course, we’ll probably draw one all with a great goal in the second half. brazil will score in the first ten minutes. anyhoo, see ya
Posted from Australia
By laura | June 14th, 2006 at 8:41 am just to see if i’m psychic
Posted from Australia
By Diane | June 14th, 2006 at 9:18 am Laura laura laura, steady on girl, you have won one match, which I don’t think the Aussies should hold their heads up to high about, they played extremely dirty against Japan, lets just see if the Brazilians and Croatians let them get away with it. Can’t play fairly don’t play at all. I know this is all exciting for Australia not much experience in World Cup matches, just remember the Rugby and cricket,shout too much you end up with egg on yur face. Me I support England they know how to play as sportsmen. Enjoy your glory I predict it will be very short lived. Have a nice day
Posted from 
Japan
By Shooter | June 15th, 2006 at 7:25 am “Me I support England they know how to play as sportsmen.”
You mean like a bunch of whining little pussies?
Posted from United States
By zeedan | June 15th, 2006 at 11:39 am Free world cup themes of your favorite team. download now at http://www.thecellcity.com/world-cup/index-worldcup.shtml
and they’re great for any nokia phone… and you get $100 in your member account (also free)
Posted from 
Singapore
By Samuel | July 14th, 2006 at 3:16 am GO AUSSIE!!!!!!!!
they should have won
Posted from Australia
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