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Berchtesgaden celebrates its first CSD: Diversity inspires over 400 participants!
On August 17, 2025, Berchtesgaden celebrated its first CSD parade with over 400 participants, a sign of more visibility for the queer community.
Berchtesgaden celebrates its first CSD: Diversity inspires over 400 participants!
On Saturday afternoon, August 17, 2025, the city's first Christopher Street Day (CSD) took place on Christmas Schützenplatz in Berchtesgaden. An event that was organized 26 years after the first CSD in Germany enjoyed a considerable response. Around 400 participants, more than originally expected, celebrated and made a strong statement for the visibility of queer people in the region. The police confirmed the high number of participants, which was characterized by the positive mood among the visitors - there was no counter-demonstration. BR24 reports that ...
The CSD parade, which was organized by around a dozen committed men and women, sent a clear signal against anti-queer views. This is particularly clear in a letter to the editor in the Berchtesgadener Anzeiger, which described the CSD as an “embarrassing spectacle”. This negative voice led to a broad discussion between the CSD organizers and local costume clubs, who decided to distance themselves from the letter to the editor and express their support for the CSD.
Drag queens and tradition
One of the outstanding figures of the CSD was Moritz Maschinsky, known as “Morita Maschinenlla”, the first drag queen in Berchtesgaden and co-organizer of the event. Maschinsky founded the first queer club in the district, the “Queer-Steiger”, a year and a half ago. Their active participation made it clear that drag and traditional customs are by no means opposites.
The interaction between the Catholic Women's Association and the celebrants was particularly touching: members like Anna Gloßner offered blessed bouquets for a small donation. This symbolic gesture underscored the commitment to building bridges and welcoming the diversity of the community, even in a more conservative environment.
A celebration for everyone
After the parade, a small street party was organized where visitors could continue celebrating. Performances by the “Schwuhplattler”, a gay Plattler club from Munich, ensured a good mood and lots of applause. A member of the Plattler group emphasized how important it is to be part of society and the traditional costume clubs - a sign of unity and togetherness.
The organizers already have plans to make the CSD in Berchtesgaden an annual institution in order to promote the visibility and acceptance of queer people in the long term. A queer helper summed it up well: It is crucial to make the existence and diversity of the queer community visible in such a traditional environment. The first CSD was not only a celebration, but also a step towards recognition and integration.