Building bridges – from the past to the future, from Leipzig to Europe: in 2013 the city and the region intend to take this opportunity in the course of the celebrations relating to the double anniversary of the Battle of the Nations and the Monument to the Battle of the Nations. The festive week relating to the relevant dates in October has been determined: from 16 to 20 October the city will be commemorating the 200-year history of the Battle of the Nations and its 100-year old monument.
As usual the commemorations will feature re-enactments of the historical battle, this year with up to 5000 participants from all over Europe. In 2013, however, the principal focus will be on the concept of Europe itself.
"The insight that peace in Europe can only be achieved by unity among its peoples and trans-national institutions has provided us with the longest-ever period of peace and prosperity in the history of our continent", states Martin Schulz. The President of the European Parliament is patron of the double anniversary and, among other functions, will officially open the "Festival of the People" on 19 October, at which guests from all over Europe will assemble at the Monument of the Battle of the Nations to the accompaniment of music and a major historical performance by Theatre Titanick.
At the same time six composers from Poland, Sweden, Austria, Russia, France and Germany are already working on a commissioned work which will premiere on the occasion of the great opening ceremony on 18 October. In addition a number of prestigious European authors, including selected recipients of the Leipzig Book Award for European Understanding, have been invited to attend the trade fair city.
18 October will be dedicated entirely to the spirit of Europe coming together in that the city will be playing host to political representatives from all the countries which participated in the Battle of the Nations. In addition to the grand opening ceremony guests will also be able to experience the magical effects of the evening light show, featuring the fully restored monument.
The impressive light show designed by the Lyon light artist Philippe Moristvan will be organised by Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH. In a joint steering group with numerous project partners, the city of Leipzig will be preparing the events to highlight the anniversaries. In addition to the official celebrations these will be wide-ranging – beginning with book presentations on the occasion of the Book Fair, a variety of new exhibitions on the theme of the Battle of the Nations, theatre premiers, a public festival, concerts and presentations right down to the opening of Yadegar Asisi's new "Leipzig 1813" circular panorama in July 2013.
Further Informations
www.voelkerschlacht-jubilaeum.de (english)