Culture in Leipzig and its surrounding region

The citizens of Leipzig who demonstrated in their hundreds of thousands along Leipzig's inner ring-road in 1989 were no longer satisfied with merely cosmetic changes. The pivotal day of the Peaceful Revolution in Leipzig was 9 October 1989, when 70,000 protesters shouting "we are the people!” and "no violence!"  overthrew the SED regime.

They made history for their courage, strong will and renunciation of violence. The emotional images from the Monday Demonstrations in the Autumn of 1989 reached every corner of the world. They showed determined people living in an unyielding society and peacefully demanding basic democratic rights.

As a result, Leipzig made national history and the foundations of German Reunification were laid. A historic event, without which there would be no European Union as we know it today.

One month after the pivotal Monday Demonstration in Leipzig, the Berlin Wall fell during the night of 9 November.

Under the title of "Herbst '89 – Aufbruch zur Demokratie'" (Autumn '89 – The Road to Democracy), each year, the city commemorates the events leading up to the Peaceful Revolution. On 9 October, the municipal remembrance day, the Festival of Lights is always the highlight of this series of events. Thousands of residents and visitors to the city meet at Augustusplatz to remember the events of 1989 against the backdrop of atmospheric illuminations.

After Napoleon was defeated in the Russian campaign of 1812, General Yorck concluded the Convention of Tauroggen with General Diebitsch on 30 December 1812. The fighting between Prussia and Russia came to an end. Both countries signed an alliance agreement before declaring war on France on 16th March 1813. On 12 August 1813, Austria also declared war on France. One day before, the coalition's army crossed the Oder. Their goal: to fight against Napoleon's troops. Two months later and following several defeats, Napoleon retreated to unite his army around Leipzig. The allies' armies also started to make a move.

The Battle of the Nations was initiated on 14 October 1813 with a cavalry fight near Liebertwolkwitz, in which over 14,000 riders participated. Napoleon insisted on a conclusive battle and fought from 16 to 19 October 1813 with his far outnumbered troops against the allies' army. With around 600,000 participating soldiers from a dozen different nations, this fight remained the largest battle in world history until the beginning of the 20th century. Over 100,000 soldiers lost their lives in this battle. 

Defeated, Napoleon retreated with his troops on 19 October 1813. The allies stormed Leipzig which, at the time, was home to a mere 30,000 residents. Many of the wounded 59,000, from both sides, died on the days which followed, due to the lack of available medical care. A typhus epidemic broke out in Leipzig. 

Napoleon's defeat put an end to his quest for power on German soil once and for all. 

Are you interested in theatre, cabaret or variety shows? Then you've come to the right place! Leipzig's multifaceted character constantly inspires visitors to the cultural and trade fair city. Whether you prefer theatre, cabaret, music, architecture or art – in our city all culture lovers will find everything they desire.

The Leipzig theatre landscape is characterised by an enormous variety of small and larger stages. You can experience elaborate productions at the Schauspiel Leipzig, and particularly innovative performances at the Theater der Junge Welt (Theatre for children and young people). In summer you can also enjoy a variety of summer theatres. These take place in a wonderful atmosphere under the open sky.

Since Leipzig boasts the highest cabaret density per capita, it is rightly regarded as the cabaret capital of Germany. The cabaret programmes offer a wide range of shows in which the Saxon dialect is lovingly cherished and cultivated by all ensembles. The Leipzig cabaret scene will captivate you with its revue and variety theatres. Be amazed by breathtaking shows with aerial acrobatics, magic, music and comedy while enjoying a plate of culinary delicacies. An additional highlight for all cabaret fans is the international Leipzig Lachmesse, Germany's largest cabaret festival. The Lachmesse – European Festival for Humour and Satire takes place every autumn. With more than 100 events, the eleven-day European humour and satire festival guarantees cabaret, comedy, clowns, music and fun at its best – sore laughing muscles for young and old are thrown in for free.