Tens of thousands celebrate the start of the Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz

Chemnitz (dpa) – Tens of thousands of people celebrated the official start of the Capital of Culture year in Chemnitz, with well-known German musicians performing at a large-scale stage show held at the Karl Marx Monument. The outdoor opening of the gala including ethereal brass tones performed from the rooftops of surrounding skyscrapers. Chemnitz shares the title of European Capital of Culture 2025 with Nova Gorica (Slovenia).

The city of Chemnitz and its entire surrounding region would be in the spotlight in 2025, said Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier at the opening show, adding that the whole of Europe would be watching. “Culture brings people together. This year, Chemnitz can serve as a beacon of a new spirit of unity, conveying the sense that we’re building the future together,” said the Federal President. In addition to a ceremony with around 700 invited guests, the opening day included programmes of cultural activity on several stages throughout the city centre. In addition, a historic locomotive was pulled by 120 people as a symbol of mutual endeavour and a reference to the city’s rich industrial history.