Syrians in Germany celebrated the fall of the Assad regime with vibrant demonstrations and car parades in various cities. In Berlin, approximately 5,000 people gathered in Kreuzberg, while Mainz saw around 3,000 participants. Other cities like Darmstadt and Essen also witnessed large crowds, with Essen hosting about 11,000. Events remained peaceful, with enthusiastic displays of support, including waving flags and chanting, creating a festive atmosphere across the country.
Celebrations Across German Cities
In various cities throughout Germany, Syrians are joyously marking the end of the Assad regime in their homeland with lively demonstrations and car parades. Thankfully, the events have unfolded without any significant incidents.
In a jubilant display of support for the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, many Syrians filled the streets and formed car parades in numerous German cities. Berlin saw a particularly large turnout, with about 5,000 celebrants gathering at Oranienplatz in Kreuzberg. The air was filled with cheers and chants as attendees waved Syrian flags, many emblazoned with the slogan ‘Free Syria’. The festive atmosphere included drumming and the occasional popping of firecrackers.
Major Gatherings in Various Regions
Celebrations were not limited to Berlin; various neighborhoods joined in on the festivities. Car parades with loud honking encircled the square, while Moritzplatz experienced heavy traffic restrictions due to the crowds. Sonnenallee in Berlin-Neukölln was another hotspot for those celebrating the fall of the Syrian regime.
In Mainz, around 3,000 individuals participated in a demonstration, exceeding initial estimates of 100 participants. The police described the mood as ranging from ‘peaceful to exuberant’ as the crowd filled Schillerplatz. In Koblenz, over 300 vehicles took part in a car parade through the city center.
In Hesse, the German-Syrian Association organized a demonstration in Darmstadt to commemorate the end of the dictatorship, while Essen witnessed a massive turnout of about 11,000 celebrants. North Rhine-Westphalia also saw thousands joining the festivities, with around 600 people demonstrating at Hamm’s train station square, all while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
In northern Germany, celebrations unfolded in several cities with hundreds participating in demonstrations. Kiel hosted around 500 to 600 people at its main train station under the theme ‘Freedom for Syria’. In Hamburg, the main train station buzzed with around 1,000 celebrants joyfully marking Assad’s fall, characterized by a peaceful and exuberant ambiance.
Following the celebrations in Saarbrücken on Saturday, many returned the next day, with police estimating around 4,000 participants. Bavaria also joined in, with around 850 people marching through the city center of Aschaffenburg and approximately 500 gathering in Schweinfurt.