For the first time in almost two decades, Thuringia is again hosting the central celebration of the Day of German Unity. It should be cheerful at the citizens’ festival with many stages. But demonstrations are not excluded either.
Erfurt (dpa/th) – Prime Minister Bodo Ramelow (left) expects a rush of visitors to the central German unity celebration, which will be hosted by Thuringia this year. On October 3rd, the Day of German Unity, and the weekend before, around 120,000 guests from all over Germany are expected in the Thuringian state capital, said Ramelow on Monday in Erfurt.
The federal state, which has the Bundesrat President like Thuringia this year with Ramelow, traditionally organizes the celebrations for the Day of German Unity. Because of the corona pandemic, the festival was restricted in the past two years.
In addition to a public festival lasting several days and the presentation of the 16 federal states and all constitutional bodies, the program includes a state ceremony and a church service with the representatives of the Federal Republic.
Ramelow did not rule out demonstrations on the fringes of the celebrations. “To demonstrate is a civil right,” said the left-wing politician. However, he expects that the rules will be observed and that things will be peaceful. Squares in front of politicians’ apartments or houses should be taboo during protests. There are places in front of the state chancellery, state parliament or town hall. “We assume that there will be demonstrations,” said Erfurt’s Mayor Andreas Bausewein (SPD). “The right of assembly also applies on this day.”
Ramelow and Bausewein see Erfurt – also thanks to the experience with hosting the Federal Horticultural Show 2021 – well prepared for the three-day festival. The city has proven that it can handle such a rush. A special feature is that 160 volunteers volunteered to help with organizational tasks or as guest guides.
16 permanent and eleven temporary stages are planned – especially on Domplatz, Petersberg and the station forecourt. “The city will be distributed with millimeter precision,” said Ramelow. More than 30 bands, musicians and listeners would perform. A huge choir ensemble sings on the cathedral steps for the German Folk Song Day.
For reasons of environmental protection, no high-altitude fireworks are planned, but light installations by artists on some buildings. A “standard wine” was also pressed by two winegrower brothers who live in Thuringia and Rheinhessen. According to Bausewein, all municipal museums can be visited free of charge on public holidays.
