Gay Pride and the Kocherlball

Last weekend in Munich was quite eventful. Saturday was the Christopher Street Day, or basically what we Americans would call Gay Pride. It was fantastic! And it reminded me exactly of what an American gay pride would be, except with Weißbier and Currywurst. There was an actual parade, but we went to the festival part that took place right down in Marienplatz. There was a stage set up with dancers, singers, and other performances. There was also a special performance of Hairspray........in German. HA! Overall it was such a great experience and I'm so glad we went. Here are some photos.

What Marienplatz looked like from above

Balloons released for AIDS victims

Gay Pride! 

After a long night of partying, we got up at 5 AM to go to the annual Chinese Tower Kocherlball.  The Chinese Tower (Chinesicher Turm) is a beer garden that is smack dab in the middle of the English Gardens. It is one of the most popular beer gardens in Munich (and most touristy). Here's an explanation of the Kocerlball from ToyTown:

The Kocherlball tradition goes back to the year 1880. It is also known as the "Dotschen or Kocherlball". Up to a police prohibition 1904 met here in good weather on Sunday from five to eight o'clock to the 5000 the soldiers, housemaids, cooks, hausdiener and house personnel to the dance. So early, because one had to appear timely again to the work with the rule. These old residents of Munich tradition revives today again. Once in each July here thousands of residents of Munich in costumes of the turn of the century meet at six o'clock early to the dance.

It was a great time, even though I was a bit tired. The traditional Bavarian breakfast of Weißwurst and Weißbier was served, but I only had a beer and a pretzel. For some reason, a Weißwurst did not seem so appetizing at 5 AM. 

This was the turnout at 6 AM at the Chinese Tower. Not bad!