Germany observes Unification Day Sunday

Germany observes Unification Day Sunday, which will be the 18th anniversary of reunification of East and West Germany. 

Unification Day is always observed Oct. 3 and if it wouldn’t be on a Sunday this year, Germans would be able to enjoy an extra day off, since it is a legal holiday throughout Germany.

The former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) were officially reunited on Oct. 3, 1990.

The process of reunification started in 1989. During September and October of that year, East Germans demonstrated for democratic reforms and for the right to travel to Dresden, Leipzig, Halle, Schwerin and other cities.

Chief of State Erich Honecker was dismissed from his top position on Oct. 18 and the new political office announced the opening of the borders to the Federal Republic of Germany and the border gates along the Berlin Wall the night of Nov. 9, 1989. During the next three days, more than 3 million East Germans crossed the border into West Germany just to celebrate, sightsee and purchase goods
they were not able to obtain in the East.

The wall, a symbol of the Cold War for 28 years, was torn down during the following weeks and months, and pieces were sold as souvenirs.

East Germany’s first free elections in 40 years were held on March 18, 1990, when citizens elected a new government. Basic changes concerning the country’s economy, currency, social laws and jurisdiction were established by state contracts on May 18 and Aug. 31.

Finally, on Oct. 3, 1990, the German Democratic Republic ceased to exist. After 40 years, it vanished from the world political map.

The celebrations in Berlin the night of Oct. 2 will include a giant fireworks display, hundreds of thousands of people dancing in the streets drinking champagne, and the raising of the national flag on the former East German parliament building.
Berlin was chosen as the new capital city of unified Germany.