The completion of the Chemnitz 2025 European Capital of Culture programme under the slogan “Feierabend!” (closing time or calling it a day in German) was an energetic finale which proved that the motto “C the Unseen” has become a reality. Thanks to the ECoC title, the city and the entire south-eastern part of Germany (Saxony) have etched themselves as a lasting and prominent highlight on the map of Germany, Europe and the entire world.
The closing weekend was an opportunity to sum everything up. The ECoC programme held over 2,000 events. Over 2 million guests participated in initiatives throughout the year, and on the final day alone, the city center was visited by over 36,000 people. The project involved 1,300 volunteers, who worked a total of about 45,000 hours, and 731 partner organizations, including 233 international partners from 40 countries.
The final events attracted a large audience: 22,000 spectators watched the Miners’ Parade, 6,000 people sang carols together, and 4,000 participants took part in the creative workshop called Maker Advent – an award-winning project involving local creators.
Among the key initiatives that will remain after the year of the ECoC are:
Purple path as the largest sustainable project in the Capital of Culture region. It is an art and sculpture trail which forms a symbolic link between Chemnitz and its 38 partner municipalities. The trail showcases the works of over 60 international, regional and local artists.
In the area of investment – it is an urban development project on a scale like no other, implemented along with the active participation of residents. It covered 30 areas where post-industrial sites were modernized and wishes of the locals (e.g. parks, hiking trails, better accessibility) were fulfilled. Approximately 57 million euros have been allocated for this purpose.
Makerhubs and Maker Advent, thanks to which 9 creative spaces (maker hubs) have been created in order to promote creative tourism. The latter project, which offers practical workshops, received the German Tourist Award 2025.
#3000Garagen – a project utilising garages as creative spaces, involving 1,000 people and 34 international artists.
The ECoC title has also significantly contributed to the development of tourism. Between January and September 2025, the number of overnight stays in Chemnitz increased by 23.8% and the number of guests from Asia grew by 53.5%. The number of tourists from Europe (excluding Germany) was also on the rise – here by 17.7%.
Participating in ECoC Family meetings and the final events in the capital for this year has been a learning experience about the potential of the European Capital of Culture title.
Chemnitz 2025 has proven that the ECoC is not just a year of festivals, but also a “new beginning”.
Małgorzata Drozd – Domaciuk
Translated by: Zofia Świerszcz
Proofread by: Gabriela Niewadzi
