Berlin ? A Viking in a G-string ran past a nearly naked woman adorned with angel wings as a man shimmying in black boots and a sequined mini-skirt was sprayed with Champagne on Saturday in a thunderous din of techno-music and rainbow-haired humanity known as the Love Parade.

More than 500,000 revelers — stepping over broken beer bottles and drunken comrades — danced, gyrated and skipped through this city in a summer fling that has become one of the world’s most raucous and hedonistic parties.

“It’s the spirit, man,” said Jouri Bakker, a silver tiara glinting in his blue hair. “It’s crazy seeing so many people in the street dancing and having fun. It gives me an adrenaline kick. I don’t need drugs.”

The $1.7 million event was in danger of being canceled last spring when some record companies canceled funding. Enough corporate sponsors were recruited, but the future of the parade is uncertain.

But the parade’s motto remains: Love Rules.

Part of this year’s proceeds will be donated to building two rehabilitation centers for Iraqis injured in the U.S.-led war.

Techno fans dance on top of a traffic light during the 15th Love Parade in Berlin. Hundreds of thousands of fans of techno music Saturday were expected to join the event.