About
The 9th of October 1989 is one of the most historically significant days in German history. On this day the residents of Leipzig took to the streets, wielding a banner proclaiming, 'We Are the People', and sparked the peaceful protests which would lead to the fall of the Berlin Wall only a few weeks later.
Though what many people tend to overlook when focusing on the GDR is that there’s more to this Socialist country on German soil, than just its’ final months. Our tour will help you broaden your perspective on 40 years of East-German history and the traces it left in Leipzig.
Throughout this tour, you’ll hear about different architectural styles, political developments, education and cultural policies and important personalities of the era. Also, we’ll take a deep dive into the contested history of the roots of the ‘Peaceful Revolution’, starting with grassroots environmental and christian activist groups, through different spheres of cultural and political opposition, finally leading to the mainstream movement it became in the 1990s.
Obviously, you’ll also hear about the idiocracies and brutal real life effects of the secret police (‘Stasi’) and the general authoritarian regime, but you won’t miss out on some curious tales of life in Socialist reality, either.
At last, we’ll talk about how the Socialist heritage still influences societies in Leipzig, East Germany and beyond. We’d love to get your take on it, too, so make sure to come along!
Things to note:
Metting point: Augustusplatz in front of the Mende Fountian
Every Saturday at 3pm
First Tour: 22.07.2023
Tip based
Duration: 2,5 hour
Language: German
