National Unity Day

National Unity Day is on October 3 in Germany and commemorates the unification of the FRG (Federal Republic of Germany) and the GDR (German Democratic Republic) into a single Germany. This event happened in 1990 and radically changed world history. The day is commemorated with concerts, political speeches, and entertainment events across the country.

History

The Second World War resulted in the division of German territories into two separate states – the communist GDR and the capitalist West Germany. This division was due to the lack of consensus regarding the post-war structure of the state. In 1989, a rally was held in Leipzig against the government of the GDR – people demanded the opening of the borders. This resulted in the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1990, the heads of state signed a unification treaty.

Interesting facts

• Germany has the second largest population in Europe, with 82 million inhabitants.
• It borders nine countries.
• It became one of the first countries to switch to daylight saving time in order to save electricity.
• It is distinguished by a large number of medieval castles.
• It cannot boast a high birth rate – in recent years this has become a problem.
• It has the oldest brewery in the world, founded in 1040.
• In German, the holiday is called “Tag der Deutschen Einheit”.
• It has a huge number of football fan clubs.
• In Las Vegas, a fragment of the Berlin Wall is located in the bathroom of the Main Street Station casino.

How to take part

If you can, traveling to Germany is the best way to take part in the celebrations. You can get to know the local culture, attend activities, and explore the sights. If traveling isn’t an option, you can still commemorate the day by watching documentaries about German history.

When is National Unity Day in 2024?

National Unity Day is observed on October 3 each year.

Observations