German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit)

Every year, on October 3, all residents of German cities celebrate a significant event - the Day of German Unity. All of Germany becomes so festive and musical. On the streets you can see both representatives of the older generation and the youngest residents of a huge sovereign state. It is this date in the German calendar that marks the completion of the division of Germany into the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany. As soon as the Second World War (Great Patriotic War) ended, the territory of vast Germany was completely and irrevocably divided into eastern (GDR) and western (FRG). For the indigenous inhabitants of the defeated power, this was a crushing blow. Indeed, in essence, people living in the same territory could no longer consider themselves full citizens of one (integral) state. Everything changed after 4 decades, or rather in 1990. It was then that Germany was able to once again become a united country, both for its many citizens and for the world community as a whole. The process of reunification began with the “collapse of the Berlin Wall.” In fact, this became the starting point for the reconstruction of a huge and powerful state in Europe. Of course, everything did not happen as smoothly as many expected, but the result of the events that took place in the nineties of the last century can now be observed by every inhabitant of the planet. Germany as a state literally in 30 years has turned into a powerful economic power that can single-handedly “dictate” its terms to some less developed countries on the European continent. It was this day that became the last for the existence of the GDR (German Democratic Republic). And so this date was chosen as German Unity Day. The Germans, as everyone knows, are quite punctual people. Based on this, every significant event that occurred in the state is written down in the holiday calendar with German precision and punctuality. If we draw a parallel with the Russian New Year or the Day of the Great Victory over Fascism, then we can say with complete confidence that the Day of German Unity is celebrated quite modestly, even if it plays a significant (historical) role for the vast majority of Germans. The center of the celebration can rightfully be considered the capital of the state - Berlin. Huge crowds of Germans gather near the Bradenburg Gate, who with extraordinary joy and pride in their state listen to performances by famous artists and popular politicians and other personalities significant to the country. By evening, colorful laser shows take place in all the cities of the huge state and colorful fireworks light up the sky. There is another interesting and extremely important tradition for Germans. Every new year, a new place (a city in Germany) is officially selected to celebrate this significant date. This is being done in order to unite all citizens who quite recently (some 30 years ago) lived and existed separately from each other. The Chancellor of Germany comes to the selected city every New Year. Solemn speeches and slogans are made, as well as congratulations for the entire German people. On this day, it is customary to provide financial assistance to less protected sections of society, such as the disabled, pensioners, and orphans. Many restaurants and cafes offer significant discounts for each new customer. A festive menu is prepared so that every visitor remembers exactly the date of this grandiose (by German standards) celebration. We should not forget about the fact that this day is officially considered a day off for all working citizens of the state without exception.