Germany is celebrating its national holiday, German Unity Day, on Saturday, October 3, marking one of the most significant moments in the country's modern history.

The annual holiday commemorates the reunification of East and West Germany on October 3, 1990, when the German Democratic Republic (GDR) became part of the Federal Republic of Germany under the reunification agreement.

The occasion is being marked this year with nationwide celebrations, cultural programmes and official events, with Bremen serving as the host city for the central celebrations from October 2 to 4.

Germany's division emerged after the Second World War, when the country was divided into occupation zones controlled by the Allied powers.

In 1949, the division developed into two separate German states: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).

The division became particularly visible after the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, which separated West Berlin from East Berlin and became one of the most recognisable symbols of the Cold War.

For decades, political differences between the Soviet-led Eastern bloc and the Western powers kept Germany divided.

A major turning point came on November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall was opened after months of growing public demonstrations and political pressure in East Germany.

The opening of the border crossings allowed East and West Berliners to cross freely, triggering celebrations across the divided city.

However, the fall of the Berlin Wall did not itself constitute German reunification. The two German states remained separate for almost another year while political and diplomatic negotiations continued.

The formal reunification took place on October 3, 1990.

East Germany joined the Federal Republic of Germany, bringing the country's political division to an end. The reunification followed the Unification Treaty signed on August 31, 1990, and negotiations involving the two German states and the former Allied powers.

The Bundestag records that shortly after midnight between October 2 and 3, the GDR entered the territory covered by Germany's Basic Law. October 3 subsequently became the country's national holiday.

For 2026, the central German Unity Day celebrations are taking place in Bremen from October 2 to October 4.

The federal government is participating in a large citizens' festival featuring information stands, cultural activities, exhibitions, music and discussion forums.

The programme also includes opportunities for visitors to speak directly with federal ministers and other guests about Germany's history and current affairs.

The official celebrations are being held under the theme "VIELE STÄRKEN – EIN LAND", broadly meaning "Many Strengths – One Country."

German Unity Day is Germany's only nationwide national holiday and is observed every year on October 3.

Banks, post offices, schools and many businesses generally close for the holiday, although some essential services, restaurants, bakeries, petrol stations and transport-related businesses may operate according to holiday or weekend schedules.

In 2026, the holiday falls on a Saturday.

German Unity Day is not only a celebration of the events of 1990 but also a reminder of the country's transformation from post-war division to reunification.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, the peaceful revolution in East Germany and the diplomatic negotiations that followed created the conditions for Germany to become a single state again.

More than three decades later, October 3 remains an important date in Germany's national calendar, connecting the country's Cold War history with its present-day identity.