Leipzig celebrates the Peaceful Revolution with its annual Festival of Lights. (Photo courtesy of Leipzig Tourism and Marketing)

By Richard Irwin, Staff Writer

Since 2009, the Festival of Lights has commemorated the nonviolent march of 70,000 demonstrators on Oct. 9, 1989.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the peaceful revolution, the festival’s organizers are expecting tens of thousands of visitors from throughout Germany.

They have planned a long weekend of cultural events, beginning with the peace prayer and democracy speech at St. Nicholas Church.

It will be followed by the Festival of Lights on Augustusplatz square that evening.

All along the route of the historical march through the city center, special exhibitions and performances will highlight the history of Germany’s division. International artists will use audio, video and lights to explore the themes of freedom, democracy, nonviolence and civic engagement.