Leipzig Festival of Lights 2020

Lord Mayor Burkhard Jung referred to this particular situation and welcomed the guests with a question: “Is it not paradoxical to celebrate a Leipzig Festival of Lights and a prayer for peace that cannot be open to everyone? – That does not really fit.” However, the celebrations should by no means be cancelled, and Jung therefore asked for understanding regarding the chosen format. In addition to Jung, there were greetings from civil rights activist Uwe Schwabe and Saxon State Minister Sebastian Gemkow. One of the most moving moments of the evening was undoubtedly the “Greeting from the citizens of Leipzig”, presented by Annegret Janssen and Tanja Werner (Youth Parliament Leipzig).

Already in September, the Leipzig Festival of Lights visited various districts with light, art and conversations with civil rights activists. Short interviews with the contributors and video clips offered a look back. After about an hour, this special Leipzig Festival of Lights came to an end with the canon “Dona Nobis Pacem”, sung by the vocal quintet Ensemble Nobiles and accompanied by Leipzig trombone choirs. For a short time, the roughly 10,000 candles arranged in the shape of the 89 remained. A quiet conclusion.