German Unity Day Description
German Unity Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit) on October 3rd is Germany's only national holiday and is celebrated in all 16 federal states. It commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. The official national celebrations rotate annually between federal states — each year a different state capital hosts the main Bürgerfest (citizens' festival) with concerts, speeches by the Federal President and Chancellor, exhibitions, and food stalls representing all regions of Germany. The three-day festival typically begins on October 1st and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors. Government offices, banks, post offices, schools, and most businesses are closed nationwide. Retail shops are closed as with all public holidays, with exceptions for shops in major train stations and airports. Public transport operates on Sunday/holiday schedules, with enhanced services in the host city. Many Germans use the day for quiet relaxation, family time, or as part of an extended bridge-day weekend if October 3rd falls favorably during the week.
