“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” tells the story from the point of view of future President Snow and takes place long before Katniss Everdeen, who was last seen in cinemas in 2015. More specifically, it is the year of the 10th Hunger Games. The Capitol is still recovering from the war that has greatly weakened Panem. Snow, then a student trying to keep his family name alive in the post-war landscape, gets involved in the first mentoring programme. The Games assign him the female tribute from District 12, Lucy Gray Baird. The two are connected through the games, and also bonded emotionally. The full story can be seen in cinemas from today.
Leipzig fans may have noticed a familiar location in the film: the crypt of the Monument of the Battle of the Nations. The impressive monument was erected in 1913 as a symbol of peace and unity to commemorate the decisive battle of more than 20 nations against Napoleon, fought on the fields around Leipzig. From 14 to 19 October 1813, half a million soldiers from all over Europe fought for the political future of the continent, and the decisive battles at Leipzig sealed the end of the Napoleonic era in Europe. In front of the monument is the "Lake of Tears", symbolising the tears of people mourning their lost loved ones. The monument is impressive both for its appearance and for the 364 steps leading up to the viewing platform at 91 metres, which offers a phenomenal panoramic view of Leipzig and the surrounding region.
This year marks the 210th anniversary of the Battle of the Nations in Leipzig. Every year in October, military history societies from all over Europe gather in Leipzig and Markkleeberg to commemorate this landmark battle near Leipzig. Around 2,000 participants in period uniforms take part, including bivouacs, a battle re-enactment and civilian scenes at the authentic sites south of Leipzig.
The FORUM 1813 museum, integrated into the monument complex, offers a spectacular insight into the events of the Wars of Liberation and the Battle of the Nations. Throughout the year, there are guided tours, choir concerts, open-air events, educational museum activities and special exhibitions.
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