Around 5000 people formed a human chain in Dresden’s city center on February 13, 2026 to commemorate the destruction of the city by Allied air strikes 81 years ago and to set an example for democracy, peace and solidarity. The chain closed at 6:00 p.m. to the ringing of the church bells.

The event was held under the motto “Taking a stand together. Every day”. It was initiated by Prof. Ursula M. Staudinger, Rector of the Technical University of Dresden and registrant of the human chain, together with the City of Dresden. Staudinger emphasised that the chain is a strong signal of shared responsibility in the face of the crimes of the Nazi regime for an open society, solidarity and respectful coexistence in diversity. Democracy is not a matter of course and lives from the active advocacy of people for their values.

From 5:00 p.m., numerous participants had gathered in front of the Kulturpalast for the traditional citizens’ singing. In speeches, Dresden’s First Mayor Jan Donhauser, Rector Staudinger and Rachel Lancaster, Lord Mayor of the twin city of Coventry, emphasised the importance of 13 February as a day of remembrance, remembrance and shared responsibility for democracy and human rights.

The human chain, which has been held annually since 2010, is directed against war, violence and the political instrumentalization of the day of remembrance. Participants came from Dresden and Germany and abroad, including representatives of the twin city of Coventry.

The bombing of Dresden from 13 to 15 February 1945 claimed about 25,000 lives and destroyed large parts of the historic old town.

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.