In the year 2013 the city and region of Leipzig will be celebrating a historic dual anniversary: the Völkerschlacht took place 200 years ago and 100 years ago the Völkerschlacht Memorial was inaugurated.

The high point of the commemoration of these historic events will be the week's festival in October 2013, when people from all the nations which were involved in the Völkerschlacht will be meeting in Leipzig in a spirit of European goodwill for the purpose of looking to the past and the future together.

On 25 January 2012 the organisers began the countdown to the double Völkerschlacht (Battle of the Nations) anniversary entitled "Leipzig 1813 – 1913 – 2013. A European Story". At the official launch event more than three hundred and fifty guests from the worlds of politics, business and culture had the opportunity to find out about the current status of the planning for the celebrations.


A memorable story with a remarkable future

During the coming months a wide range of events will be taking place, including public festivities and book presentations as well as projects by children and young people. For example, all those interested in history will be able to enjoy the preparations for the anniversaries by attending exhibitions, historical market activities and commemorative events in Leipzig, Markkleeberg, Borna, Pegau and Rötha. A large number of protagonists will be involved in all these projects, demonstrating that this dual anniversary would not be possible without the enormous commitment of numerous local people and their initiatives.