Leipzig shines: 35 years of peaceful revolution ceremoniously recognized!

Leipzig shines: 35 years of peaceful revolution ceremoniously recognized!

On October 9, 2024, Leipzig became the scene of an impressive light festival again, which is reminiscent of the 35th anniversary of the peaceful revolution. It was a memorable day in 1989 when over 70,000 people demonstrated in the city center, while they held candles and entered into freedom and justice with calls like "We are the people". These peaceful protests turned against the communist dictatorship and contributed significantly to the fall of the wall, which finally led to the reunification of Germany.

This year's light festival extends over the complete inner city ring from 7 p.m. to midnight, with an opening at 7 p.m. on Augustusplatz. Numerous artists and their impressive installations bring the historical events alive. The event not only offers spectacular light projects and musical performances, but also a kind of review of the key moments of history that have shaped this day. A special highlight will be the participation of Mayor Burkhard Jung, who will speak greetings together with contemporary witnesses and representatives of the federal and state governments.

Ceremony and honors

The official ceremony in honor of the anniversary takes place in the Gewandhaus zu Leipzig and begins at 2:30 p.m. The participants include not only high -ranking politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz, but also civil rights activists and many international guests. In a moving commemoration, the importance of the peaceful revolution is emphasized, which was created by the courage and commitment of the citizens. Marianne Birthler, a well -known civil rights activist from the GDR, is expected as a keynote speaker.

The celebrations would remember the atmosphere at the time in the Nikolaikirche, where the first prayer of peace took place on October 9, 1989. This year too, the peace prayer will be held at 5 p.m. and earlier degrees of contemporary witnesses and a biblical impulse of the state bishop are included. The event is accompanied by musical sounds that are reminiscent of the contemplative and peaceful demonstrations from back then.

Artistic light projects and installations

The light installations try to capture the emotions and the spirit of the resistance at that time. Many guests will captivate over 20 creative projects along the historical demonstration route. The highlights include interactive installations that symbolize the concept of barrier. In the installation "The first turns on the light", visitors can influence the light animations by becoming active through noises and movements.

Another impressive work of art is the “Passage” project from Lyon, which promotes dialogue across borders and its overcoming with recycled lamps. It not only shows the historical dimension, but also absolute creativity in dealing with the materials and the topic of freedom.

If you are not yet enough with art and culture, you will also have the opportunity to experience the light festival tours via a new "Explore Leipzig-City Tours" app, which is available in German and English and is also offered as an audio version.

In order to give the light festival full shine, the large "Candle 89" installation will also be standing in front of Augustusplatz. Visitors can even take over a symbolic candlestick to support the event sustainably. The candles are available free of charge, and the proceeds from sponsorships come to the wolf tears e. V. to the help of children and adolescents who have lost a parent or sibling. The concept of reusable cups for drinks during the event should also make a contribution to more sustainability.

While the light festival is in full swing, the meaning of October 9 is not only reflected in the light of modern art, but also by memory of the past and the achievements of the people in Leipzig, which have occurred for their rights.

For more information and a detailed overview of the planned light projects, a visit to the official website is Lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de recommended.