Leipzig Festival of Lights

On 9 October 1989, 70,000 people took to the streets in Leipzig. With candles in their hands, they peacefully demanded more freedom and democracy in the GDR – A decisive catalyst for the start of the Peaceful Revolution that finally led to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Since 2009, the Leipzig Festival of Lights has commemorated this historic date with an annual sea of candles and performances by international artists. The Festival takes place after the traditional Prayers for Peace, and the city and its visitors are encouraged to participate as the Augustusplatz is bathed in the flickering light of thousands candles spelling out ‘Leipzig ’89’.