Every five years, Berlin celebrates the anniversary of the fall of the Wall on 9 November 1989. For the fourth time since 2009, the team at Kulturprojekte Berlin again has the privilege of organising and implementing this emotional commemoration in conjunction with many partners and thousands of our fellow Berliners.
Millions of people across the globe have followed and enjoyed our previous projects, which include the “Domino Action” in 2009, the “Border of Lights” in 2014 and the “Festival Weeks” involving large-scale projections at seven locations in 2019. The anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall is one of the most important commemorative events of the year, both in terms of Berlin’s own history and as a celebration of nationwide importance throughout Germany.
In this 35th anniversary year, we have chosen to focus on the call for freedom and democracy. Under the motto “Hold freedom up high!” our aim is to pay tribute to the courageous people who peacefully fought for democratic reforms and basic human rights in the 1989/90 era in the GDR. As part of a large-scale open-air installation running through the centre of Berlin, we are bringing together the demands expressed on signs and banners from that era with the voices of thousands of present-day individuals reflecting on what freedom and democracy means for them today.
This open-air installation will trace the path of a section of the former Berlin Wall where it once separated the city 35 years ago. In doing so, the installation will symbolically overcome the dividing line that dictatorship and lack of freedom once drew through Berlin. Visitors will also be invited to enjoy a number of exhibitions, events, projections, performances and a highly unique concert by the “Band for Freedom” along the route.
This year’s anniversary is cause for celebration, but it also provides us with an opportunity to reflect on historic events and especially to commemorate the victims of the SED dictatorship. Above all, the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Wall will encourage everyone to engage in a discussion of how we as a society can protect freedom and democracy together today.
