The celebrations for the anniversary year began on 23 May 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with a state ceremony in Berlin, followed by the Festival of Democracy from 24 to 26 May  from 9 a.m. On May 23, Manuela Schwesig participated in the celebration kick-off in Berlin, followed by her presence at the festival on Saturday, May 25, in Bonn. Her involvement highlighted the importance of this historic milestone and the ongoing commitment to democratic values in Germany.

“Bonn can be really proud. Here, 75 years ago, the Constitution was decided and announced,” Schwesig remarked at the opening of the Bonn event. She emphasized the city’s historical significance, having been the seat of the Bundestag, Federal Council and Federal Government for around 50 years. “I think it’s very good that Bonn celebrates its great tradition, but also our common future” (translated from German).  

This year, the German Basic Law celebrated its 75th anniversary. The Democracy Festival invited everyone to partake in three days of celebrations. Organized by the Federal Government, the Federal President, the Federal Constitutional Court, the federal states and various civil actors, the festival featured hundreds of events around the Chancellery and Paul Löbe House in Berlin.

Selected Program Highlights

• Talk with Philipp Lahm and Celia Šašić: Friday, May 24 at 3 p.m.
• Insect Tasting: Paul-Löbe-Allee
• Sports Activity Area: Spreebogen
• Escape Room: Riddles and puzzles about the Basic Law on John-Foster-Dulles-Allee
• Poetry Slam Workshops: With Björn Högsdal
• Children’s and Youth Press Conference: Tipi am Kanzleramt, Saturday, May 25 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon
• Interviews with Judges: Pavilion of the Federal Constitutional Court

The Basic Law was first presented to the public on 23 May 1949 and has remained a cornerstone of German governance. Its initial 19 articles guarantee fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, media, conscience and equality. Article 20 outlines the structure of the state, declaring Germany a democratic and social federal state.
Originally intended as an interim measure, the Basic Law became the permanent constitution after Germany’s reunification in 1990. The Unification Treaty ensured its application across all of Germany.

• - https://www.instagram.com/p/C7bRlS8oBbD/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
• - https://www.berlin.de/en/events/8811364-2842498-democracy-festival-75-years-basic-law.en.html
• - https://www.bundesregierung.de/breg-en/news/festival-basic-law-75-2263182