Last Saturday, 9th of November, Berlin celebrated a music festival at the Brandenburg Gate. ‘The fall of the wall concert Concert at Brandenburger Tor’ took place for the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Wall. Both national and international artists performed on the stage. All the acts and songs were closely related to stories of 1989/90.
Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier led the official ceremonies. Merkel vowed during the memorial that “no wall will separate people again.”
The orchestra of the Berlin State Opera, Staatskapelle Berlin, opened the ‘Fall of the Wall concert’. Daniel Barenboim and the techno pioneer WestBam conducted the orchestra. The performance of guests from all over the world ran through the evening. Some of them were Anna Loos, Die Zöllner, Zugezogen, Dirk Michaelis and Trettman.
This was all complemented by a monumental video serving as a screen for projections. The evening show also included a spectacular laser harp performance and fireworks.
Finally, the show was highlighted by DJ WestBam transforming the historic site into a ‘European Club Night’. This led to a celebration in 27 clubs throughout Berlin.
30th anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall
The Berlin Festival Week happened between 4th and 10th November. It marked the 30th anniversary of the Peaceful Revolution and the fall of the Berlin Wall. During these seven days, the capital city turned into a large open-air exhibition. Hence the events related to the Wall construction, the division of Berlin, the Cold War and the Peaceful Revolution of 1989.
Everyone was welcome to learn, remember, debate and celebrate the famous events on which Berlin’s history is built. There were around hundred events happening in the city. People can enjoy panel discussions, music exhibitions, workshops, theatre productions, and much more. The most noteworthy events were located in seven different sites within Berlin, and most famous Berlin landmarks were part of the festival: Alexanderplatz, Brandenburg Gate, Kurfürstendamm and East Side Gallery.
The aim of the festival week was to commemorate the victims of the dictatorship. It also allowed both locals and visitors to experience the historic events of the Peaceful Revolution. For this reason, people were able to understand this important part of German history in more detail.
Brandenburg Gate
The biggest event of the festival week was celebrated at the Brandenburg Gate. This is one of Berlin’s most famous landmarks.
The Brandenburg Gate was considered a symbol of the divided city. It represents visitors who used to climb in order to get a glimpse of the world on the other side of the wall. Likewise nowadays Brandenburg Gate has turned into a symbol of peace and unity.
DAS Akademie Berlin
At DAS Akademie we are very interested in German history and current events happening in Berlin. We organise many events which our German course students can join us on. Above all, this would be a great way to practice your German skills as well as having fun! Join DAS Akademie Berlin for a unique learning experience!