Chemnitz Peace Day 2020
5 March 1945 - the day of the bombing of Chemnitz at the end of the Second World War - is anchored in people's collective memory. For almost two decades, actions in favour of peace have been taking place around this anniversary.
Event highlights on 5 March
Municipal cemetery
Wreath-laying ceremony and memorial service
Mayor Barbara Ludwig invited people to the traditional memorial service at the municipal cemetery at 9 am. She laid a wreath at the memorial to the victims of the bombing of the city of Chemnitz.
Together with pupils from Georg-Weerth-Oberschule, Barbara Ludwig commemorated the victims of the destruction of Chemnitz 75 years ago.
The event was accompanied by a programme from the music school.
14.00 - 17.00 in the Town Hall, City Council Chamber
Contemporary witness films and talks
Films with contemporary witnesses from Chemnitz who experienced the Second World War and the bombing of the city. There will be an opportunity for a discussion after each screening.
2 pm and 4 pm: "Children at War" (2018)
3 pm and 5 pm: "The Last Witnesses" (2019)
Admission is free.
The last witnesses
In interviews, contemporary witnesses talk about their terrible childhood experiences, especially their experiences on 5 March 1945.
more6 pm, Neumarkt
"Culture - Language - Religion"
The term peace has different meanings in many languages and cultures. With songs, poems and prayers, we will try to express a touch of this diversity in our city. The languages that are spoken in Chemnitz and the religions that have a home here will be heard.
Participants: Members of the Jewish community of Chemnitz, representatives of the monotheistic religions, actors and musicians from Chemnitz and Berlin.
Organisation: Jewish Community Chemnitz
The complete programme:
The complete programme for the Chemnitz Peace Day can be found on the website of the AG Chemnitzer Friedenstag:
Chemnitz Peace Prize 2020
On the eve of the Chemnitz Peace Day, the 17th Chemnitz Peace Prize was awarded in the town hall, along with an honour prize and, for the first time, a children's and youth prize. First place was awarded to the PERLA Visiting Service in the Red Light District project in Chemnitz. Other award winners are the Chemnitzer Bürgerfest e. V. association, HORIZONT magazine, Dr Hans Brenner and the theatre team from Einsiedel grammar school.
more