Unusual sounds could be heard in the classical ensemble of Königsplatz on Thursday afternoon: the ground between the Glyptothek and the collection of antiquities shook, people fidgeted in front of the Propylaea to the beat of a bass booming from large loudspeakers. On brick-thick soles and in overly wide bell-bottoms, they danced against the so-called “Silent Days” such as Good Friday, on which all entertainment events that do not correspond to the serious nature of the time are banned in Bavaria.
Under the motto “Holy shit – let us dance” (in German: “Holy shit, let’s dance”) an alliance from the techno and rave scene led by Munich’s Ravestreamradio called for the rally. The aim is to lift the ban on dancing, as emphasized by various speakers who spoke between the music.
The laws passed out of consideration for the Christian churches were “out of time,” said Lucas, for example, who was introduced as the founder of “Techno is colorful”: “Holidays are for celebrating.” For fans of techno and rave, this style of music is “more than dancing and partying,” he emphasized, but rather a cultural asset. And the initially around 250 demonstrators on Königsplatz demanded that they be allowed to do this 365 days a year.
Some had painted their confession of faith on a sign: “Techno, my religion. Amen.” Others read: “Kruzefix – let’s dance.” Or: “Subwoofer instead of organ.” The criticism was primarily directed against the state’s preferential treatment of the Christian churches, according to whose ideas people of other faiths or non-believers also had to conform.
After the rally on Königsplatz, dancing continued in other places. This year, the techno and rave scene fought for the right to have dance events on the quiet days; 47 clubs are open over the holidays. The central point of contact was the night gallery on Landsberger Straße, or Naga for short. There, on the night of Maundy Thursday to Good Friday, as before on Königsplatz, speeches were repeatedly planned. “We attach importance to that,” explained the meeting leader Alexander Ruf, representative of Ravestreamradio: “We don’t just want to party.” But also to sensitize those who want to dance to the overarching concern.