Democracy Festival in Sonneberg: A festival for diversity and tolerance!

Democracy Festival in Sonneberg: A festival for diversity and tolerance!

The Democracy Festival will be celebrated in Sonneberg next week, an event that not only celebrates cohesion in the community, but also addresses important issues of social participation. On Friday, June 20th, the festival will take place from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the highest point on Kirchstrasse, at the superintendent's office on Coburger Allee. The event is organized by the “Sonneberg shows attitude” alliance, which is strongly committed to democratic values ​​and has the support of the Amadeu-Antonio-Stiftung.

The program promises a varied experience for the whole family: from folk music with the Ambersand Septet to Thuringian-Franconian music cabaret to performances by the group “Halbe Farben” from Sonneberg and the surrounding area. There will also be portrait drawings by two Weimar artists, talks from the Protestant and Catholic churches and the opportunity for children to have fun on the Jenga tower or obstacle course. Food is also provided, and the sisters from Sonneberg will also be active.

Democracy festival and social participation

This festival is more than just an event; it is a contribution to combating the discrimination that many people experience because of their social background. According to the Amadeu Antonio Foundation, discrimination is often reinforced by the devaluation and ridicule of the lifestyles of people from working class families. Such prejudices not only exclude people, they also prevent more equitable participation in education and social resources.

The Democracy Festival wants to actively combat these injustices and create space for all voices. By providing a platform for cultural exchange, dialogue between different groups and generations is promoted. This approach helps make marginalized perspectives visible and develop a better understanding of the challenges many people face.

Christopher Street Day in Sonneberg

In addition to the democracy festival, there is also Christopher Street Day (CSD), which will be celebrated on Saturday, July 19th, from 2 p.m. on the train station square in front of the town hall. Around 600 participants are expected here to stand up for the rights and visibility of queer people. Last year the CSD in Sonneberg had around 700 visitors, and there is great anticipation for the second edition. The CSD is a day of celebration, commemoration and demonstration that has been celebrated worldwide since 1969 and stands for diversity and acceptance.

Both events are evidence of the commitment of Sonneberg's citizens to foster a strong and inclusive sense of community. At a time when social divisions and discrimination still exist, it is even more important to come together and advocate for a democratic and respectful society.

All the more reason why everyone who has the opportunity should take part in these festivities. We must not forget that empowering and making visible all groups in our society is central to enabling a truly inclusive democracy.