Battle Wages in Berlin for Food Street Fight
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In a filthy battle on the streets of Berlin, 2 districts waged war against one another in what would appear to be a deadly blood-bath at first glance. But donning helmets, gas masks, and shields for protection from combatants slinging rotten fish and dirty diapers, this is actually the dirty scene of Wasserschlacht’s annual food fight.
Take that … while some enjoyed pelting others with rotten food, others
took the whole battle a little too seriously. Photo Reuters
Nearly 1,000 stinking ‘warriors’ went to all lengths armed with rotten food, eggs, and flour, and this year things got out of control when soiled diapers and rotten herring was entered to the mix for the grubby mêlée.
There are no other rules to the feud other than the food cannot be fresh — only rotten or cooked is considered fair play.
Stink bomb … this year’s event saw the 2 sides arm themselves with
salted herring and used diapers. Photo Reuters
Flour power … some did stick to traditional flour and water bombs. Photo Reuters
Photo DPA
Since 1998, the Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg districts of Berlin have been duking it out on the Oberbaumbrucke Bridge over the River Spree connecting the formerly separate districts in attempt to beat, frighten, shove, intimidate and gross-out their opponents back to their side of the bridge.
The skirmish has even been known to see buildings and vehicles set on fire in previous years, and organizers have had run-ins with the law for holding the brawl without a legal permit.
Colorful characters … for some the Wasserschlacht battle was a chance
to finally fit in to society. Photo Reuters
Masked avenger … some street soldiers came to battle well prepared.
Photo Reuters
This soldier decided the best way to avoid a huge cleaning bill was to fight topless.
Photo Reuters
Some years have been cancelled due to brushes with police who forced the events to a close before they began.
In 2003, police blocked the battle just as the opposing forces were gathering on the bridge, only to be pelted themselves with rotten food by disappointed would-be combatants, and legal disputes led to the combat’s cancellation in 2006 and 2007.
Photo DPA
Some joust with foam-rubber clubs. Photo Reuters
Others found intricate means to launch their missiles, such as this home-made catapult.
Photo Reuters
The districts of Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain — a part of the former East Germany — were once divided by the river and the Berlin Wall. After many years of planning, the 2 were merged into the single administrative district of Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg in 2001.
Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters
Photo Reuters
“It all started when the city administration decided to unite the two districts.” said Hauge Stiewe, the organizer of Friedrichshain’s forces.
“They didn’t ask people what they wanted. So we thought, ‘Let’s put the Kreuzbergers on one side and the people from Friedrichshain on the other and arm them with eggs, tomatoes and water. And whoever won would be the master of the district.’”
“The whole thing is an expression and demonstration of our desire not to be merged.” Stiewe said. “So let’s make war against each other.”
Freedom fighters … while others went for the more natural ‘Braveheart’ look.
Photo Reuters
Fire fight … the event has been known to get a bit out of hand in the past,
with vehicles and buildings set aflame. Photo Reuters
Easy rider … while some fought hand-to-hand, others took a more relaxed approach.
Photo Reuters
This year’s battle was sponsored by Alba, one of the city’s main waste-disposal service providers.
Both sides fought tooth and nail — and with a little help from half-eaten gherkins — the Friedrichshain side came out the victor in the fracas to win the challenge, and have done so each year without fail.
Grime fighter … Batman took time out from keeping crime off the streets of Gotham
to take part in the event. Photo Reuters
Photo DPA
Photo DDP
Photo DPA
Photo DPA
Clean winners … this year’s Food Fight winners were the Friedrichshain,
who have yet to lose a battle. Photo Reuters
Wasserschlacht 2008
Foodfight vs Streetfight
Source: News AU
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That is horrible condition in Berlin. Never thought people went so crazy over such little things. God save us.
Well it was mostly all in fun
That is horrible condition in Berlin
Greedy, did you even read the article? This was an annual food fight on the Oberbaumbrucke Bridge in Berlin.
My 9 y-o son would be in heaven. Do we really ever outgrow the desire for a good food fight, though?
2greedy hasn’t so much time to read anything and perceiving it as a real fight between two cities, GOD BLESS YOU. Thanks for sharing all those stunning pictures. I wish to be there and throw an dirty diaper on you Deborah! Excuse me if you would mind.
damn, germans ARE scary arent they sometimes. my german girlfriend was so dark and broody
Right ADHS, I’ve had a number of comments since then of the same nature, all of which were not accepted as people obviously haven’t even read the article.
Crazy perhaps, but it looks like a lot of fun to me, Alex
What a waste of food…they take advantage of food for their wage while there are still millions of people who don’t have enough food to survive.Good..job.