Three weeks after an Islamist attack near Berlin’s Pride event, organisers expect large crowds at the Rave the Planet techno parade, which runs close to the July 25 attack site. Authorities have bolstered security with about 1,500 officers, drones, a police helicopter and cordoned zones, while heat measures include at least one water cannon for cooling mist and free drinking water. Berlin’s police chief said forces can provide "a very high level of protection" but acknowledged there is "no absolute protection." Organisers have registered 300,000 participants and a 1,200-strong counter-protest called the "Fuckparade" is also planned.
Heightened Security for Berlin’s Rave the Planet Parade After July Attack
File Photo - Thousands of people dance to the music of the techno parade Rave The Planet. (is associated with: «Heightened security planned for Berlin's techno parade») Annette Riedl/dpa
Three weeks after an Islamist attack near Berlin’s Pride parade, organisers expect tens of thousands of people to attend the techno procession Rave the Planet, which will pass close to the site of the July 25 assault.
Security and Heat Measures
Authorities have announced tighter security arrangements and preparations for extreme heat, with forecasts of up to 37°C. Police plan to deploy roughly 1,500 officers, supported by reinforcements from the states of Brandenburg and Saxony-Anhalt. A police helicopter and drones will monitor the route, and an "extensive closure concept" will create cordoned zones secured with heavy mobile bollards.
To help with the heat, police said they intend to deploy at least one water cannon to produce a cooling mist along the route, while organisers will provide free drinking water at multiple points.
Route, Timing and Context
The procession is scheduled from 1:50pm (1150 GMT) until about 10pm along the main boulevard through Tiergarten park, between the Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column — close to where, on July 25, an attacker killed a woman and wounded at least 31 people, several seriously.
Authorities' Limits and Public Safety
Berlin’s police chief, Barbara Slowik Meisel, said she is confident the force can provide "a very high level of protection," but she also cautioned that officials cannot guarantee absolute safety across every path and barrier in the park:
"We also cannot staff every barrier with people or personnel. There is no absolute protection."
Organisers have registered 300,000 participants for the techno parade — a substantial rise on organiser estimates of around 200,000 last year and Berlin police estimates of well above 100,000.
Counter-Protest
A smaller counter-event, the "Fuckparade," is planned as a protest against the commercialisation and displacement of subcultures; police said roughly 1,200 people had registered to take part.
What to expect: large crowds, visible security measures (drones, helicopter, cordons, bollards), on-site cooling and water stations, and potential heat-related risks. Attendees are advised to stay hydrated and follow directions from event staff and police.
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