Berlin Wall anniversary/ fall of Berlin Wall/ 35 years Berlin Wall/ Berlin celebration/ freedom and democracy/ Newslooks/ BERLIN/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ In Berlin, tens of thousands gathered to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, a pivotal moment in German and world history. The commemorations included concerts, art installations, and official ceremonies, highlighting the enduring message of freedom.
Berlin Marks 35 Years Since Berlin Wall’s Fall Quick Looks
- Anniversary festivities: Tens of thousands attended concerts, art displays, and events celebrating the fall of the Berlin Wall.
- Symbol of freedom: Chancellor Olaf Scholz praised November 9, 1989, as a “lucky day” for Germans.
- Special art installation: A temporary wall of 5,000 posters, designed by the public, displayed messages of freedom.
- Musical tributes: Musicians performed songs like David Bowie’s “Heroes” along the Wall’s former path.
- Finale performance: Russian dissident band Pussy Riot will close the celebrations on Sunday.
Tens of Thousands Mark Historic 35 Years Since Fall of the Wall in Berlin
Deep Look
Tens of thousands of people gathered in Berlin to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall, a landmark moment that symbolized the end of Cold War divisions and the dawn of a unified Germany. The celebrations included open-air concerts, art installations, and official commemorations across the city, drawing both locals and international visitors.
Remembering a Historic Day
Berliners commemorated November 9, 1989, as a “lucky day,” a sentiment echoed by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in his tribute. Scholz emphasized how the Wall’s fall brought freedom and reunification, ideals that Germans still cherish. For nearly 28 years, the Wall divided East and West Berlin, embodying the ideological clash between the capitalist West and the communist East. Originally built in 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West, the Wall ultimately stretched 97.2 miles (156.4 kilometers) through the heart of Berlin and beyond.
The fall of the Wall sparked celebrations worldwide and accelerated Germany’s reunification, which officially took place less than a year later on October 3, 1990. Today, only remnants of the Berlin Wall remain, preserved as historical sites and popular tourist attractions.
Art Installations and Freedom Messages
For the anniversary, a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) stretch along the former Wall’s path featured a unique installation: a temporary “wall” of 5,000 posters created by people of all ages under the theme “We Uphold Freedom.” Visitors observed the installation, which combined messages from 1989’s East German protesters—calls for freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and freedom to travel—with contemporary hopes for freedom. Designed in workshops hosted in schools, churches, and art groups, the posters connected past and present aspirations for democracy and rights.
Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner spoke at an official event at the Berlin Wall Memorial, where he urged vigilance in protecting democracy. “Freedom and democracy have never been a matter of course,” he said, warning that these values face new threats.
Musical Tributes and Sunday’s Finale
The evening’s highlight featured 700 musicians performing along the former Wall’s route, including songs like David Bowie’s “Heroes,” a classic anthem of hope and resilience, and “Freiheit” (Freedom) by German rock star Marius Müller-Westernhagen. These musical tributes resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom joined in singing the lyrics projected on large screens.
The anniversary celebration will conclude on Sunday with a performance by Pussy Riot, a Russian dissident band known for its activism and protest music. The group’s presence underscores the anniversary’s core message of freedom and resistance to authoritarianism, reminding audiences of the ongoing importance of democracy and freedom of expression.
