LoveParade 2001

This year is by all means a special year for the Loveparade. Early in the year we have found out from the Berlin Authority for Public Assembly that our demonstration, already registered since September for the 14th of July, 2001, cannot take place because another demonstration has been registered on the same day and at the same place. Also all the other Saturdays in July and August have been blocked by different "ecology" demonstrations so that the fulfillment of this year's Loveparade is in danger. This argument "first come, first serve" came to us too late and of course many problems have therefore incurred, not only for the parade itself but also for all the participants who have planned their vacations according to the originally announced date: train tickets, plane tickets, hotels, etc., all of which had to be either cancelled or successfully rebooked. In a rush procedure the german Supreme Court finally decided that the Loveparade can no longer be held as a demontration but rather will be considered in the future as an event.

So have we the permission to hold the parade as an event on the 21st of July, 2001. Everyone is anxious to see how the endless arguments and discussions will effect the number of ravers and the feeling of the parade. In spite of all the negativity until just before the parade, 1 million people have experienced the best Loveparade of all.

At the end of the closing rally, the now legendary sounds of the seashore helps bring the ravers to ground level and the way home. But one has the impression that no one wants to go. Around the Victory Column an unbelievable atmosphere rules, one of enthusiasm and togetherness. In this moment, this year's motto "Join The Love Republic" seems true to its meaning.

"Very ravey, very relaxed, very smooth" Enric Nitzsche, Loveparade Spokesperson, from the newspaper Berliner Morgenpost 23 July, 2001.