In Berlin, tens of thousands gathered on Saturday to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, a pivotal moment in German history that occurred on November 9, 1989. The celebration featured a variety of open-air concerts, artistic displays, and official commemorative events, underscoring the significance of this historic day.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz remarked, “It was a lucky day for which we Germans are still grateful today.” The Berlin Wall, erected in 1961, stood for 28 years as a symbol of the divide during the Cold War, separating East and West Berlin. Its construction was initiated by the communist regime to protect East Germans from the ideological influence of the West and to prevent mass emigration from East Germany.
This formidable barrier extended 156.4 kilometers (97.2 miles) through Berlin and disrupted countless lives. However, after the border was opened, it took nearly a year for Germany to reunify on October 3, 1990. Presently, only select sections of the wall remain intact, primarily serving as attractions for visitors.
As part of the anniversary festivities, a temporary wall comprised of 5,000 posters designed by individuals of all ages was constructed, themed “We uphold freedom.” This display drew a consistent crowd, including many from abroad, and stretches across a four-kilometer (2.5-mile) area of the former wall in central Berlin.
The creative works echo the demands voiced by East German protesters during the autumn of 1989, such as calls for freedom of expression, press freedom, and the right to travel. These posters were the result of workshops held in schools, religious congregations, community art groups, and various cultural initiatives.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner emphasized the importance of freedom during the official anniversary ceremony attended by President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the Berlin Wall Memorial, stating, “Uphold freedom, because without freedom everything else is nothing.” He further cautioned that freedom and democracy are currently under threat from multiple fronts.
As night fell, 700 musicians—both professionals and amateurs—were set to perform synchronized music along the former wall’s path. Anticipated songs included “Heroes” by David Bowie and “Freiheit” by German artist Marius Müller-Westernhagen, with lyrics displayed on screens for audience participation.
The celebrations were scheduled to culminate on Sunday with a performance by the Russian dissident group “Pussy Riot,” marking a significant finale to the anniversary events.
