German Law | 23.05.2009

Berlin throws a birthday bash

Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Thousands gathered in Berlin to pay tribute to German democracy

Under sunny skies and warm weather that hinted of summer, hundreds of thousands of Germans turned out in the center of Berlin to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the constitution with food, music and beer.

As legislators in parliament voted to re-elect Horst Koehler President of the German Republic, re-affirming for all the smooth functioning of German democracy, people on the street expressed their delight.

"I'm from the former eastern Germany and I feel very proud of the way we are living now and having the liberty to what I want, yeah it is a great day for me," said one celebrant.

It seemed as though every famous person in Germany had made a special effort to be in Berlin on this special day. Among the celebrities were East German skater Katerina Witt, politicians who played a significant role in German reunification Egon Bahr and Hans-Dietrich Genscher and feminist author Alice Schwarzer.

Well known German band Lenz kicked of the celebrations with a song written to honor the constitution.

"It's quite a celebration for us, too, because for quite some time it was very uncool to be proud of being German. Of course, there was the guilt we had because of World War II, but I think now that we have 60 years of peace and social stability. This is something you can be proud of. You have a reason to celebrate and this is what we wanted to do, so this is a great day," said one of the members of Lenz.

Ode to Joy thrills crowd

Bildunterschrift: Großansicht des Bildes mit der Bildunterschrift: Three Chinese students celebrate in Berlin

Later, in the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, Chancellor Angela Merkel, newly-elected President Horst Koehler and other dignitaries listened to Berlin State Opera conductor Daniel Barenboim conducting a rousing performance of Beethoven's Ninth symphony.

In all, authorities estimated that more than half a million people crowded into the Festival Mile. It was a scene reminiscent of when Germany hosted the soccer World Cup celebrations in 2006. Party goers strolled in the sun, ate grilled sausages and drank beer.

Germany's constitution something to be proud of

The party comes a day after German politicians marked the anniversary of the document known as the "basic law" or the constitution which came into effect on May 23, 1949.

"The founding fathers of the constitution created a solid order so that free citizens could create a life for themselves in a just society," said Presiden Koehler at an ecumenical service in Berlin's cathedral.

Orignally planned as a three-day celebration, the events were scaled back to a modest one day due to the global economic downturn. The final cost is estimated at 3.2 million euros ($4.2 million) paid for by public funds.

av/AFP/dpa
Editor: Andreas Illmer/dw