The National Day of Germany is on the 3 October (German Unity Day, unification of West Germany and East Germany 1990). This is known as the “Day of German Unity” (Tag der Deutschen Einheit), and it commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990.
National Day of Germany
Likewise before the German reunification the country as we know was divided into two separate countries. Firstly there was the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). Secondly there was the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). Finally in the end the Berlin Wall, which separated East and West Berlin came to an end.
Accordingly on the 9th November 1989, the Berlin Wall was finally opened. The Germans on the East and the West could now walk across the wall. This was the first time in 30 years. The rejoining of the country officially took place on the 3rd October 1990.
Firstly the National Day of Germany is a public holiday. Secondly it is celebrated with various events and ceremonies across the country. It is a time for Germans to reflect on their history, celebrate their unity, and look forward to a brighter future.
See also the National Day of Sweden as well as the National Day of Finland and the National Day of Austria.
Public Holidays in Germany
Firstly the following are the nationwide public holidays in Germany:
- New Year’s Day – January 1st
- Good Friday – varies according to the Christian calendar
- Easter Monday – varies according to the Christian calendar
- Labour Day – May 1st
- Ascension Day – varies according to the Christian calendar
- Whit Monday – varies according to the Christian calendar
- Day of German Unity – October 3rd
- Christmas Day – December 25th
- Boxing Day – December 26th
Likewise in addition to these public holidays, there are also regional holidays that are observed in certain states, such as:
- Epiphany (January 6th) in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and Saxony-Anhalt
- Corpus Christi (varies according to the Christian calendar) in Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, and parts of Saxony
- Assumption Day (August 15th) in parts of Bavaria and Saarland
- Reformation Day (October 31st) in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia
- All Saints’ Day (November 1st) in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.
