Grilling in Mauerpark – Barbecue as a Living Urban Culture

Mauerpark is a social melting pot, a symbol of vibrant diversity and urban togetherness. And at the heart of it all: barbecues. What at first glance appears to be a time-honored leisure activity has become a cultural ritual for Mauerpark – one that connects, builds bridges, and creates space for encounters.

Barbecues have been held here for over 25 years. As soon as the temperatures rise, people flock to the park with grills and charcoal under their arms. Formerly on the large lawn, and since 2025 on the barbecue decks located in the middle of the park, small, temporary communities have emerged – neighbors, groups of friends, families, tourists, and Berlin natives sit side by side, sharing food and stories. The barbecue becomes a platform for spontaneous exchange.

This unifying force is particularly noticeable at festivals such as Eid al-Fitr (Sugar Festival) at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. When families and groups of friends celebrate the day with fragrant food, music, and warmth, Mauerpark is often one of the first places where this festive joy becomes visible in public spaces. Here, too, communal barbecues play a central role – not just in culinary terms, but as an expression of participation, belonging, and mutual respect.

Barbecuing in Mauerpark is therefore much more than ashes and space. It is a piece of everyday Berlin culture, a symbol of the openness of this city and of the right to shape public space together and peacefully. It shows how easy it can be to meet people – if you share a few hours of time and a bit of embers.

For those who prefer a smoke-free environment or spontaneously drop by without a barbecue, a picnic is the perfect alternative – just as sociable, versatile, and entirely in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of Mauerpark.