Security measures for Reformation Day: Wittenberg is preparing!

Security measures for Reformation Day: Wittenberg is preparing!

On October 31, 2025, a Friday, Reformation Day, an important holiday for Protestant Christians, will be celebrated in several federal states in Germany. Reformation Day commemorates that historic moment in 1517 when Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg. This happened on the evening before All Saints Day and is considered the beginning of the Reformation. In Wittenberg, the city that is considered the cradle of this event, around 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the festival, which offers a colorful mix of medieval festivals and religious encounters. MDR reports that the event will be accompanied by strict security precautions.

In view of recent incidents, such as the knife attacks and the attack on the Magdeburg Christmas market, those responsible in Wittenberg have decided to increase security standards. There is a general ban on weapons and random bag checks are carried out. Gun carriers must present a police clearance certificate and receive a wristband that allows them to carry their guns in public. Entry bans, concrete blocks and mobile barriers are also used to improve the security situation. The budget for security preparations has doubled this year.

Security precautions and historical tradition

The historic city guard in Wittenberg, which has been active since 1994 and consists of around 20 members, played an important role during the celebrations. Jürgen Dondé, a member of the city guard, emphasizes how important the group is to the city's tradition. Dressed in historical costumes and armed with weapons such as halberds and swords, they add to the festive atmosphere. Sandra Wilking, head of the city marketing company, is optimistic about the preparations made and the way the festival is going.

Reformation Day is not just a local event, but also has nationwide relevance. It is recognized as a public holiday in nine federal states, including Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia and Brandenburg. In other federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, there is no celebration, while November 1st (All Saints' Day) is considered a public holiday there. [RND emphasizes that Reformation Day is important for Protestants worldwide.

Services and celebrations in the churches are the focus of the day. Well-known hymns such as “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” are often sung and are reminiscent of the deep roots of the Reformation. However, Reformation Day is not celebrated as a family festival to the same extent as Christmas or Easter; rather, it is a day of reflection on the teachings of Luther and the history of the Evangelical Church.

This is how Reformation Day 2025 will be celebrated in Wittenberg and other cities: with a festive but also safety-conscious atmosphere that combines tradition and modern requirements. The celebrations are a strong symbol of the relevance of this historical event and its impact to this day.