Suche
Festival of Light 2025: 35 years of unity - Leipzig celebrates freedom!
On October 9, 2025, Leipzig will celebrate the Festival of Light to mark the 35th anniversary of unity with a monument to the Peaceful Revolution.
Festival of Light 2025: 35 years of unity - Leipzig celebrates freedom!
On October 9, 2025, Leipzig will once again attract everyone's attention because the annual light festival takes place on this day. This celebrated event has become a fixture and commemorates the Peaceful Revolution of 1989, which laid the foundation for German unity. This year the motto of the Festival of Light is: “Approaching each other – 35 years of German unity”. The extremely important role of the Monday demonstration on October 9, 1989, which is considered the turning point of the transition, is duly acknowledged. The initiatives surrounding the Freiheitsdenkmal also show the firmly anchored willingness to keep the values of the Peaceful Revolution such as non-violence, civil courage and solidarity alive.
A central point this year is the planned laying of the foundation stone of the Freedom and Unity Monument on Wilhelm-Leuschner-Platz. Mayor Burkhard Jung (SPD) is confident about the progress of the 16-year process that will make this milestone in the city's memory a reality. The redesign of the square envisages that half of it will be converted into a green park, which will provide a worthy setting for the monument. The inauguration of the monument could finally be celebrated on October 9, 2029.
Gathering of important personalities
High-ranking guests are also expected on this important day, including Saxony's Prime Minister Michael Kretschmer (CDU), as well as the Federal Commissioner for Culture Wolfram Weimer (CDU) and the well-known civil rights activist Gesine Oltmanns. Their coming is emblematic of the ongoing dialogue and remembrance of the shared values that emerged during the Peaceful Revolution. Such a celebration should not only awaken emotions, but also actively stimulate thought processes and show citizens the importance of what has been achieved.
The monument itself will present a particular challenge. It will be built on the Schloßfreiheit in Berlin with the aim of honoring the “magical moment of freedom” in a holistic way. The design of the monument, “Citizens on the Move”, was created by the Stuttgart agency Milla und Partner and is intended to come to life through interaction with visitors. Interestingly, the walk-in shell has a fascinating construction that can tilt as people interact - an impressive symbol of the collective solidarity of citizens. This monument will decorate the top with the slogans of the Monday demonstrators and present images from the time of reunification on the bottom.
Challenges and future outlook
However, the construction of the Freedom and Unity Monument comes with its own challenges. Originally dated 2017, construction was delayed due to various issues. After a bumpy start in 2020, construction elements now have to be re-tendered due to the insolvency of the steel construction company responsible, which could postpone completion until after 2026. These delays elicit different reactions from the audience; While many are excited about the monument, there is criticism of the symbolism and inscriptions that may not be understandable to all citizens.
The inauguration of the monument will certainly be another highlight in the historic city of Leipzig. The hope remains that through the Festival of Light and honoring the Peaceful Revolution, the importance of memories will not be forgotten and that the values we fought for together will continue to be lived in the present and future.