Fireworks for Greeting the Varus Year of 2009

01-01-2009

The Varus Year of 2009
 …will be greeted by a colourful illumination on Dec. 30 and imposing fireworks with music and laser show on Dec. 31, 2008. The visitors of this event will take home with them the memory of an unforgettable experience. By marking the start of the Varus year of 2009 we would like to set a widely visible signal and draw attention to the events scheduled for the year to come. To us today the Her-man’s monument is a symbol for a Europe which has grown together, for cultural diversity, and a sign of international understanding and peace.

2000 years ago
 …the Roman legions lead by Varus suffered a painful defeat in the battle of the Teutoburg Forest. In the year 9 A.D. they were defeated so clearly by Arminius and his joint Germanic tribes that afterwards the Roman Empire refrained almost completely from conquering Germania. It was only due to this that the Germanic people right of the Rhine were able to develop their own culture and lan-guage almost independently.

Herman the Cheruscan
 …is the name by which Arminius, the ancient military leader, became known later in history. Soon a legend developed around Herman: He was considered the founder of German history. Emper-ors and kings referred to him to substantiate their sovereignty, and used the myth of Herman to distin-guish themselves and the Germans from other peoples.

Today
 …such definitions are no longer necessary. Modern Europe is a place where people approach each other, enjoying the diversity. Former enemies have become friends who share the same values: Democracy, human rights, and respect for each other’s culture.

The Land of Herman – Meeting Point Europe
 The Varus year of 2009 adds a new perspective to the Herman monument – one of peoples’ understanding and international feeling, the peoples’ Europe, an inviting Europe where families, chil-dren, and young people from all countries meet in joint ventures. The land of Herman with its Her-man’s monument, a cultural landmark which is known European-wide, is a tourist attraction to those interested in culture as well as to the active tourists. In May 2009 the international culture programme “Herman 2009” starts with a series of top-class events, including a musical theatre play by and with Herman van Veen, the Unicef ambassador. The international culture programme “Herman 2009” of-fers cultural highlights for the young and the young at heart (from summer concerts in the palace gar-dens with an international cast to performances in Detmold by the Shademakers and The Lunatics, to theatre-, cabaret- and musical shows) – touching, boisterous, subtle, and of supreme artistic standards.
On New Year’s Eve, impressive musical fireworks, a laser show, and colourful illumination of the Her-man’s monument at the Teutoburg Forest herald the Varus year. Flash Art Bielefeld, an internationally successful event agency, will stage the event which addresses all senses.

---