Germany National Symbols: National Day
Day of German Unity
Date
October 3
Background
After Germany’s defeat in World War II, the Allies divided Germany into four zones, which eventually became two countries: the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) and the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). A wall (complete with accompanying barbed wire, guard towers, guard dogs, and armed military) was erected between the East and West portions of Berlin, and the city and country were divided. No one from the East was allowed out except with permission from the East German government, and those from the West needed to go through heavy security checks at specified locations to pass through or to visit. On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall came down amidst mass demonstrations in the former German Democratic Republic. On October 3, 1990, the two federal states of Germany officially unified.
Description
This national holiday celebrates the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. Since 1990, Germans have held various festivities to commemorate the significance of the German unification, as it changed their constitution as well as their way of life. Every year, a different city hosts the main festivities.
Closures
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