Sea of ​​Lights for Graz: Solidarity after killing room at the Danube Island Festival

Sea of ​​Lights for Graz: Solidarity after killing room at the Danube Island Festival

Graz, Österreich - On June 18, 2025, Graz is all about commemoration. In the Styrian capital, an emotional sea of ​​lights will be organized as part of the Danube Island Festival next Sunday, June 20th. This is intended to think of the victim of a tragic killing spree that shakes the city. The sea of ​​lights takes place at 9:58 p.m. at all stages of the popular festival and is organized by the SPÖ Vienna and the Pro Event Team for Vienna and the Vienna Kulturservice. The festival itself looks back on a 42-year history and is known for its values ​​such as together, peace, solidarity and empathy. These values ​​are also the focus of the mourning community, which is solidarity with the relatives and victims.

In addition to the light of the lights, a memorial event will take place on Sunday evening on the Graz main square under the motto "We hold together". This begins at 6 p.m. and is accompanied by prominent personalities, including Mayor Elke Kahr, Governor Mario Kunasek, Federal Chancellor Christian Stocker and Federal President Alexander van der Bellen. The event is supported musically by the HIB Art Choir. Not only the victim is thought here, but also an official donation account is set up to help those affected of this tragedy. The city of Graz and Mayor Kahr offer extensive support for those affected.

common memory and support

In the run -up to the memorial event, an interreligious memorial service will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the Graz Cathedral. In addition, a commemorative meeting of the state parliament will be held in the country room on Tuesday at 9 a.m. Both events are broadcast live on television to give people in Graz and beyond the opportunity to participate in this important moment of commemoration.

The Danube Island Festival, which is considered one of the largest events in Austria, wants to send a powerful message of unity and cohesion with the sea of ​​lights. As reported [5min], it is an opportunity to stand up for peace and solidarity and to emphasize the values ​​that are more important than ever in difficult times. This happens both on the island and in the city of Graz, which is strongly strong for those affected.

The tragedy of the killing spree moved people and triggered a wave of solidarity. This also becomes clear by the city of Graz and the other honorary guests who take part in the events. Their support shows that the community is together and value is placed on common ground. As [Kleine Zeitung] notes, the city is determined to assist the victims and their relatives and to donate the necessary consolation through these commemorative events.

In these moving days, the Grazers show that despite pain and grief they want to stick together and support each other. The Danube Island Festival is therefore not only a place of celebration, but also a symbolic space of commemoration and compassion. You can find more information about the festival and the events in question at [ORF].