Saarbrücken Hosts National Unity Day as Germany Marks 35th Anniversary of Reunification

Germany Celebrates 35 Years of Unity

Germany is observing its national Unity Day on October 3, 2025, marking the 35th anniversary of the country's reunification. The central celebrations are taking place in Saarbrücken, the capital of the federal state of Saarland, from October 2 to 4. This annual public holiday commemorates the historic moment in 1990 when the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) formally acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany), creating a single sovereign German state.

Historical Context of German Reunification

The Day of German Unity, known as 'Tag der Deutschen Einheit', is Germany's only national public holiday and serves as a powerful reminder of the nation's journey from division to unity. The path to reunification began with the peaceful Monday demonstrations in Leipzig and culminated in the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. Less than a year later, on October 3, 1990, the Unification Treaty officially brought East and West Germany together. This date was chosen to avoid association with the sensitive historical events of November 9th, such as Kristallnacht.

Saarbrücken Takes Center Stage

Following a long-standing tradition, a different German federal state hosts the main festivities each year, typically the state holding the presidency of the Bundesrat. In 2025, Saarland has the honor, with its capital Saarbrücken serving as the focal point for the national celebrations. The events, running from October 2 to 4, are held under the motto 'Future through Change' (Zukunft durch Veränderung), symbolizing Germany's forward-looking vision and commitment to transformation. The city center of Saarbrücken has been transformed into a festive venue, featuring stages, exhibitions, and culinary offerings, with hundreds of thousands of visitors expected.

Official Ceremonies and Public Festivities

The celebrations include both solemn official ceremonies and vibrant public festivals. Key events on October 3rd include:

• An ecumenical church service at the historic Ludwigskirche, which is also celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2025. This service is broadcast live nationwide.
• A state ceremony (Festakt) held in the Congresshalle, attended by high-ranking representatives from politics, churches, and society.

Notable attendees and speakers at the Festakt include Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz, Bundesratspräsidentin Anke Rehlinger, and French President Emmanuel Macron. The public festival, or 'Bürgerfest', extends across Saarbrücken's city center, from the main train station to the Saarbrücken Castle, showcasing constitutional organs like the Bundesrat, Bundestag, Bundesregierung, and Bundesverfassungsgericht, alongside all 16 federal states. A symbolic handover of the Bundesrat presidency staff from Anke Rehlinger to Andreas Bovenschulte, the Mayor of Bremen, is also scheduled for October 3rd.