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Berlin - Beams of all shapes and colors will bathe
landmarks citywide starting Wednesday during one of the world's largest
architectural lighting events.
The annual Festival of Lights, slated to open at Potsdamer Platz at
sundown, refashions Germany's capital into an illuminated exhibition
space for the seventh consecutive year.
The free festival is one of the German capital's most popular tourist
attractions, one that generates global media interest as well as an
audience of millions.
Whether traversing Unter den Linden or travelling on the overground city
railway, one will notice world famous landmarks illuminated in vibrant
colours and light patterns.
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The lengthening autumn nights provide ideal conditions for the
high-power beams to transform familiar sights into spectacular
apparitions.
Last year, the festival attracted one million visitors, and an estimated
425,000 additional hotel bookings in the city.
The festival's organizers say 'lightseeing' tours will take visitors to
70 different locations, like Potsdamer Platz, the TV Tower on
Alexanderplatz, and the Brandenburg Gate.
Of particular note is a lit-up piece of the Berlin Wall.
This display memorializes those who were killed by East German security
forces during the wall's 28-year lifetime, organizers said.
A main stage situated on Potsdamer Platz is the epicentre of the
festival, which starts at 7.30 pm (1730 GMT).
Just 10 years ago, Potsdamer Platz was fallow and barren, a relic of the
Cold War era. Organizers felt that holding the festival's opening on
today's fully built plaza would highlight Berlin's rapid evolution into
a vibrant cultural centre.
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The light festival coincides with celebrations marking the Ku'damm's
125th anniversary. Also known by its full name, the Kurfuerstendamm is
one of Berlin's most famous shopping streets.
Ku'damm organizers say they have designed colourful projections,
light-art installations, special windows displays, and unique facade
illumination for the event which runs from 6.30 pm to midnight every day
for the duration of the festival.
The Festival of Lights, first staged in 2005, continues until October
23.
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