German Unity Day - Oct. 3

Posted by Cyn (Colorado Mountains, USA) on 10/02/23 09:57 PM

Tomorrow’s the 33rd anniversary of East Germany rejoining West Germany, German Unity Day, or Tag der deutschen Einheit. I hadn’t been aware of that, except that two young ladies from Stuttgart were at the table next to ours at dinner tonight, vacationing in Copenhagen with the day off, and mentioned that the national holiday gave them the chance to visit Denmark.

They were certainly younger than 33, so weren’t around for the initial event, but it’s good that the significant day is observed and celebrated.

Posted by Lee

Lakewood, Colorado

10/02/23 10:17 PM

19095 posts

Oktoberfest in Munich used to end on the first Sunday in Oktober, but since German reunification, it ends on Oktober 3rd, the Day of German Unity, if that day is later than the first Sunday, as it is this year.

Posted by Mona

California USA

10/02/23 10:22 PM

3958 posts

We were in Germany for the first Einheitstag on October 3, 1990 and have been back to Germany over that date in recent years. It was quite an enthusiastic celebration with many fireworks in 1990. Then came the reality of knitting the country back together, especially with transportation and infrastructure. It’s a marvel every October 3 to look back on how it goes.

EDIT: In our city the air was clear and sunny that day and the city was quiet. Leaves had started to turn autumn colors and fallen chestnuts were everywhere. That evening we walked to a place near the university where people had gathered to watch fireworks over the city’s castle. It was a pretty emotional day for all.

Posted by Ms. Jo

Frankfurt, Germany

10/03/23 01:40 AM

8946 posts

Frankfurt traditionally has Jazz in the old town square (the Römerberg) each year for Unification Day. Well attended, and the Federweisser Fest happening 2 blocks away on the Liebfrauenberg helps with the party atmosphere. Lots of dancing. We are having wonderful weather now, so it should be a good celebration. Frankfurt is also celebrating the 5 year anniversary of finishing their new Alt Stadt, with some special tours, brass band playing from the gallery of the Alte Nikolai on the Römerberg. Lots of people took off work yesterday so that they have a 4 day weekend.

Tip - it is called Unification Day, not Re-unification Day.

Posted by HowlinMad

Germany

10/03/23 06:59 AM

453 posts

It's our national holiday, and right now I am enjoying not having to go to work!

Posted by MarkK

Berlin

10/03/23 09:11 AM

2256 posts

The day is important to the people but overrun with messages what is maybe not perfect yet. It is so typical for my country to concentrate on the negative things instead of celebrating the lots of good ones. I hope that my co-citizens may learn one day again how to live a healthy portion of national pride and how to celebrate our achievements.