Berlin Marks 80th Anniversary of Liberation from Nazism with Commemorative Events…
On May 8, 2025, Berlin observed the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe, known as the Day of Liberation (Tag der Befreiung), with a series of events honoring the city’s liberation from National Socialism. The day was designated a one-time public holiday in Berlin, leading to the closure of schools, offices, and most shops, while public transportation operated on a holiday schedule.
A week-long program of over 100 events took place throughout Berlin from May 2 to May 11, 2025, including exhibitions, concerts, theater performances, guided tours, and discussions. The centerpiece was the open-air exhibition “… finally peace?!” at Pariser Platz, exploring the historical significance of May 8, 1945, and its implications for the future.
The Museum Berlin-Karlshorst, the site of Germany’s unconditional surrender in 1945, hosted special programs, including a revised exhibition on the German surrender and discussions on the role of Soviet monuments in contemporary memory culture.
At a commemorative event on May 7, 2025, Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer, aged 103, delivered a poignant appeal: “Please be human!” Her words resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and humanity.
Berlin’s Governing Mayor Kai Wegner highlighted the responsibility to keep the memory of past atrocities alive, while Bundestag President Julia Klöckner and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier participated in wreath-laying ceremonies.
Notably, ambassadors from Russia and Belarus were not invited to the central commemoration, In addition, the authorities banned any Russian and Soviet symbols during the ralliesб reflecting current geopolitical tensions and concerns over the misuse of historical narratives.
The commemorations included the world premiere of the oratorio “Befreiung” (Liberation) by composer Marc Sinan, performed at the Akademie der Künste. Additionally, the Mitte Museum opened the exhibition “The War and Me – War Children 1939-1945,” focusing on the experiences of children during the war.
Public demonstrations also took place, with participants advocating for May 8 to be established as a permanent state holiday, underscoring the day’s significance in Germany’s collective memory.
