80 years of freedom: Berlin celebrates May 8, 2025 as a holiday!

80 years of freedom: Berlin celebrates May 8, 2025 as a holiday!

May 8, 2025 is celebrated in Germany as a very special holiday. This year the day of the liberation on which the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht was signed in 1945 is the eightest time. On this occasion, Berlin declares May 8, 2025 to be the official holiday once. The important date falls on a Thursday, which offers Berliners the opportunity to enjoy a long weekend with a day of vacation on May 9th. This is particularly noteworthy, since Berlin has one of the lowest holiday figures among the federal states.

May 8th is celebrated not only in Germany, but also in several European countries as a day of liberation or day of victory. It is reminiscent of the end of World War II in Europe and the liberation from National Socialism. Around May 8th, the historical context in the Federal Republic of Germany is increasingly being reminded. In the past, May 8th was not a major commemoration day, but since his official recognition in the Bundestag in 1970, it has gained importance. Richard von Weizsäcker described the day of 1985 as the "day of liberation" and since then it has been increasingly valued politically and socially.

The historical context of May 8th

On May 8, 1945, Generalfeldmarschall Wilhelm Keitel signed the second capacity certificate in the Soviet headquarters in Berlin-Karlshorst. This was the unconditional surrender of all German armed forces. The time of the surrender was set on May 8, 11:01 p.m. After the fights in Berlin ended on May 2, 1945, the entire country was in the hands of the Allies. The push of the Red Army and the violent fights led to the total defeat of the National Socialist regime and formed a turning point in German history.

In the last April and first May 1945, the population of Berlin was characterized by enormous fears and the chaos of the war. Many searched for protection in bunkers, while the fights became more intense. The surrender was accelerated by a Führer order of April 22, 1945, which had tragic consequences for civilians and soldiers.

holiday regulations in Germany

Berlin shares most holidays with other federal states. North Rhine-Westphalia, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and the Saarland also have eleven statutory holidays, while a smaller number is offered in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. These regional differences are also shown in the different holidays such as the "Augsburg Peace Festival" in Bavaria on August 8th or "Maria Himmelfahrt", which is celebrated in Catholic communities.

In 2025, May 8th will not only be a day of commemoration, but also a legally recognized holiday in Berlin. The importance of this date in German history and the awareness that it causes in social discourse lead to millions of people look forward to this additional holiday. As chip.de , it is above all the memories of the liberation and the renewal of peace and democracy be honored that day.