Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism 2025 in Germany

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism, observed on January 27, honors those persecuted and murdered under the Nazi regime. This includes Jews, Roma and Sinti, disabled individuals, LGBTQ+ people, political prisoners, and others.

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism: A Public Holiday?

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism is not a public holiday in Germany. Businesses, offices, and schools follow regular opening hours, though ceremonies, educational events, and moments of reflection mark the day.

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism, also known as Holocaust Memorial Day or in German Tag des Gedenkens an die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus, is observed annually in Germany on January 27. This date marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945, one of the most notorious sites of Nazi atrocities. The day was established in 1996 by German President Roman Herzog as a national day of remembrance to honor the millions of people persecuted and murdered under the Nazi regime, including Jews, Roma and Sinti, disabled individuals, political prisoners, LGBTQ+ people, and others. The aim is to keep the memory of these atrocities alive and ensure that such events are never repeated.

Observance on Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism in Germany

This solemn day in Germany is observed with various commemorative events and activities across the country. Schools and educational institutions play a significant role by organizing discussions, exhibitions, and lectures to educate younger generations about the Holocaust and the broader crimes of National Socialism. Public officials, including the German President and Chancellor, participate in ceremonies at memorial sites, such as former concentration camps and monuments dedicated to the victims.

Wreath-laying ceremonies, moments of silence, and reading survivor testimonies are central to the day's observance. Many individuals and families watch documentaries or attend cultural and historical events that delve into the history and consequences of the Nazi era. A key moment of the day is the special memorial session in the German Parliament, featuring speeches and reflections from survivors, historians, and leaders, emphasizing the importance of remembrance and vigilance against hate and intolerance.

The day serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of hate, prejudice, and totalitarianism. By remembering the victims, Germany acknowledges its historical responsibility and reaffirms its commitment to human rights, democracy, and tolerance. It is an opportunity to educate future generations about the dangers of discrimination and the importance of standing against it. For many, it is also a moment to reflect on the values of humanity and the need to protect vulnerable groups in society. This day is not about celebration but about learning, remembrance, and ensuring that the lessons of the past continue to shape a better future.

Remembrance Day for the Victims of National Socialism Observances