Chemnitz opens the year as European Capital of Culture with a big show at the Marx Monument on Saturday (January 18). Tens of thousands of visitors are expected in the city alongside prominent guests. Right-wing extremists also want to use the national attention for their own purposes and have planned a parade. This has met with opposition.
What will be on offer at the opening?
The grand opening show will take place on Saturday evening at the Marx Monument - probably the best-known landmark in Chemnitz, which was called Karl-Marx-Stadt in GDR times. The 40-ton bust, popularly known as the "Nischel", was once created by Russian sculptor Lev Kerbel.
In the afternoon, there will be various programs on three stages in the city as well as a "Kitchen of Nations". According to the information provided, visitors will be able to discover the culinary diversity of the city. Meanwhile, many Capital of Culture projects will be presenting themselves in the Stadthalle.
A ceremony is planned in the opera house at 4.00 pm. The opening day will end with various parties in the city's clubs.
Which artists are coming to Chemnitz?
The organizers are keeping quiet about the exact programme and the artists for the opening show. They want to surprise the visitors. What is known is who will be performing on the city center stages in the afternoon. Actor Alexander Scheer and director Andreas Dresen will be on stage together as singers with a band. Argentinian bandoneon musician Omar Massa, pop singer Dilla and the "Dancing Neighbors" - a Chemnitz dance project for people over 60 - will also be performing.
In addition, 120 volunteers will be pulling a historic steam locomotive through the city centre in several teams as part of a campaign entitled "Mitziehen". This is intended to stand for collective action, but also to refer to Chemnitz's industrial history. There will also be a rave to the town hall after the opening show.
What happens at the ceremony
Around 700 invited guests from politics, culture, business and society are expected to attend the ceremony in the opera house. These include Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Federal Minister of Culture Claudia Roth (Alliance 90/Greens), Saxony's Minister President Michael Kretschmer (CDU) and the EU Commissioner for Culture, Glenn Micallef. The Melina Mercouri Prize will be presented to the city there. It is awarded by the EU Commission and is endowed with 1.5 million euros. The event will reportedly be broadcast live on MDR television.
How many visitors are expected at the opening?
The organizers are expecting 70,000 to 100,000 visitors.
How do I get to the opening?
Admission to the opening show starts at 5.00 pm. A number of streets in the city center will be closed due to the numerous events. The city recommends that visitors use the free Park & Ride parking lots and travel into the city by streetcar or bus. There are also additional trains to and from Chemnitz. The area at the Marx Monument is a good ten-minute walk from the main train station.
Is it true that right-wing extremists will be demonstrating in the city on the opening day?
According to the city, several demonstrations have been registered for the opening day. These include a rally and parade by the far-right Free Saxons, who are expecting up to 2,000 participants. Meanwhile, the German Trade Union Confederation is calling for a demonstration entitled "We are more! We are many!" is also calling for a demonstration to prevent the "Nazi march". Up to 5,000 participants are registered for this.
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