Democratic test in Sonneberg: A festival for diversity and tolerance!

Democratic test in Sonneberg: A festival for diversity and tolerance!

In Sonneberg, the democracy test will be celebrated next week, an occasion that not only celebrates the cohesion in the community, but also appeals to important topics of social participation. On Friday, June 20th, the festival will take place from 4 to 10 p.m. at the top point of Kirchstrasse, at the superintendur in Coburger Allee. The event is organized by the alliance "Sonneberg shows attitude", which is strongly committed to democratic values ​​and has the support of the [Amadeu-Antonio Foundation] (https://www.amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de/gruppen-menschenschenchlicht/klassism-diskrimination- onground-zialler-braunung/).

The program promises a varied experience for the whole family: from folk music with the Ambersand Septet to Thuringian-Franconian music cabaret to appearances of the group "Halbe colors" from Sonneberg and the surrounding area. In addition, there will be portrait drawings by two Weimar artists, discussions from the Evangelical and Catholic Church as well as the opportunity for children to let off steam at the Jenga tower or an obstacle course. Meals are also planned, and the sister gang from Sonneberg will also be active.

Democratic test and social participation

This festival is more than a mere event; It is a contribution to combating discrimination that many people experience due to their social background. According to the [Amadeu-Antonio Foundation] (https://www.amadeu-antonio-stiftung.de/gruppen-menschenchlicht/klassism--diskrimination- onground-ziader-braundkunft/), discrimination is often reinforced by devaluation and the ridicule of people from workers' families. Such prejudices not only rule out, they also prevent them from participating in education and social resources.

The democratic test would like to actively address these injustices and create space for all voices. By offering a platform for cultural exchange, the dialogue is encouraged between different groups and generations. This approach helps to make marginalized perspectives visible and to develop a better understanding of the challenges that many people look at.

Christopher Street Day in Sonneberg

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

Both events are evidence of the commitment of the Sonneberg citizens: inside, promoting a strong and inclusive sense of community. At a time when social divisions and discrimination still exist, it is all the more important to come together and to stand up for a democratic and respectful society.

The more everyone should take part in these festivities. We must not forget that the strengthening and visualization of all groups of our society is of central importance in order to enable a really inclusive democracy.