Leipzig, the birthplace of the Peaceful Revolution in 1989, will celebrate its 35th anniversary on 9 October 2024 with the annual Festival of Lights. This year’s festivities will occur from 7 pm to midnight along the inner city ring road, the historic route of the demonstrations.
The Peaceful Revolution consisted of non-violent protests in East Germany during 1989, beginning in Leipzig and ultimately resulting in the fall of the Berlin Wall and the reunification of Germany. Leipzig continues to honour this democratic victory with its yearly Festival of Lights.
For the first time, attendees will have the opportunity to experience all the light installations virtually via the Explore Leipzig app, available in both English and German.
Event Highlights
The Leipzig Festival of Lights plays a significant role in the city’s annual Day of Remembrance, alongside the Prayer for Peace and the Speech on Democracy. This year, over 20 local and international artist groups will bring the events of 1989 to life through stunning mappings, projections, music, performances, and various art forms, captivating tens of thousands of visitors.
Several of Leipzig’s twin cities—Frankfurt am Main, Krakow, Lyon, and Brno—will also participate in the celebrations by showcasing their artistic projects. Candles, symbolizing the Peaceful Revolution, will be central to the festival. A giant candle-lit podium shaped like an illuminated ‘89’ will be set up at Augustusplatz, where visitors can light and place candles, provided free of charge.
Additional key events include:
- A joint ceremony at the Gewandhaus Concert Hall at 2:30 pm, featuring speakers such as German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Marianne Birthler, a former GDR civil rights activist.
- The Prayer for Peace at St Nicholas Church at 5 pm.
- The main Festival of Lights will take place around the city center from 7 pm to midnight.
Attendees at the Festival of Lights can also download the new Festival of Lights 2024 tour. Additionally, this year introduces the ‘Festival of Lights XXL,’ extending the celebration with five light installations available for viewing until the weekend of 10-12 October, from 7 pm to 11 pm each evening.
The Significance of 9 October 1989
The date of 9 October 1989 marks a turning point in the Peaceful Revolution, a crucial moment in both German and European history. The events of this day are viewed as the precursor to the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November and the eventual reunification of Germany in 1990. Leipzig commemorates this legacy every year with the Festival of Lights.
The city’s continuous remembrance of the revolution, both on 9 October and throughout the year, highlights its importance to democracy today. St Nicholas Church continues to hold its Monday Prayers for Peace, and several museums, including the Memorial Museum in the ‘Round Corner,’ preserve the history of the revolution.
Cultural Sites of the Revolution
Leipzig boasts several significant cultural sites related to the Peaceful Revolution:
- St Nicholas Church: The birthplace of the Monday demonstrations, featuring a small exhibition in the church’s south chapel detailing these events.
- Memorial Museum in the ‘Round Corner’: Formerly the local Stasi headquarters, it is now a museum dedicated to the history of the GDR’s secret police.
- Forum of Contemporary History: This museum focuses on opposition and moral courage in the GDR, providing a platform for active engagement.
- Open-air Exhibition ‘Sites of the Peaceful Revolution’: Spanning 20 locations around the city center, this exhibition illustrates Leipzig’s role in dismantling the GDR dictatorship.
Leipzig’s contributions to the fall of the Iron Curtain are recognized by the European Heritage Label, emphasizing the significance of the 1989 protests.
Burkhard Jung, Lord Mayor of Leipzig: “This year, we mark the 35th anniversary of the remarkable Leipzig Monday Demonstration. We do so with a sense of concern for democracy in Europe, amid ongoing conflicts and brutal wars. Since 1989, Leipzig has symbolized change, freedom, peace, and democracy. 9 October is a day that embodies living democracy, honoring the courage and perseverance of the Peaceful Revolution. Let us together remember the peace and freedom of 1989 and draw inspiration from it for today.”
Marit Schulz, Head of ‘Leipzig Festival of Lights’: “Celebrating 35 years of the Peaceful Revolution is a momentous occasion. With more than 20 local and international projects showcased along the original demonstration route and participation from four of our twin cities, this year’s festival promises to be unforgettable. The introduction of the ‘Festival of Lights XXL’ ensures that the experience will extend beyond 9 October, creating a truly special anniversary edition.”
