On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the Tolerade 2025 will take place in Dresden, marking its tenth anniversary with a vibrant celebration of inclusion, diversity, and open spaces. This colorful dance demonstration is set to send a powerful message through the streets of the Saxon capital, with an expected turnout of around 15,000 participants.
The event kicks off at 2 PM with a rally at the Dresden-Neustadt train station, where organizers from the Tolerave association and participants will gather to advocate for tolerance, cultural diversity, and against exclusion. The parade will then move across the Marienbrücke into the heart of Dresden's Old Town, symbolically passing significant landmarks to enhance its political message through music and dance.
As the procession makes its way through the city, demonstrators will pass the Saxon State Parliament, highlighting demands for participation and equality on a political level. The route is intentionally designed to be accessible, allowing individuals with mobility impairments or those in wheelchairs to join in the festivities.
Following the initial march, the parade will reach Cockerwiese around 5:15 PM for a scheduled rally that will last about an hour. Here, various initiatives from Dresden and Saxony will present their causes, further amplifying the message of inclusivity and solidarity. The gathering will feature speeches, presentations of concerns, and, of course, continued dancing, all aimed at fostering an atmosphere of community and acceptance.
After the rally, the parade will continue past the St. Benno-Gymnasium, Albertbrücke, and the State Chancellery, eventually heading along Königsbrücker Straße towards the industrial area of Dresden-Neustadt. The event is expected to wrap up around 9 PM, but participants are encouraged to enjoy the atmosphere and celebrate throughout the evening.
Organized by Tolerave in collaboration with around 40 associations, initiatives, and music groups, the Tolerade serves as a creative counter to exclusion and intolerance. It aims to foster a society that embraces diversity and promotes equal rights for all. The city of Dresden has also announced that significant traffic restrictions will be in place between 2 PM and 9 PM, affecting public transportation and requiring drivers to plan accordingly.
As the Tolerade 2025 approaches, the anticipation builds. This year’s event not only marks a decade of advocacy but also highlights the ongoing need for dialogue and action in the face of discrimination and inequality. Participants from all walks of life are expected to join in, united by a common goal of creating a more inclusive society.
In the lead-up to the Tolerade, city officials have urged residents and visitors alike to be mindful of the road closures and delays that will occur during the event. "If possible, it’s best to avoid the demonstration route or plan for extra travel time," a city spokesperson advised. For those looking to be part of the celebration, the Tolerade provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community and show support for a cause that resonates deeply with many.
The Tolerade is not just a parade; it’s a movement that seeks to transform public spaces into platforms for expression and acceptance. As the colorful procession winds through the streets of Dresden, it will carry with it a message of hope, unity, and resilience. This year’s theme of inclusion and diversity is particularly poignant, reminding us all that the fight against discrimination is ongoing and requires collective effort.
As the clock ticks down to the start of the Tolerade 2025, the excitement is palpable. Participants are ready to dance, celebrate, and advocate for a world where everyone feels valued and included. With its rich history and vibrant culture, Dresden is set to become a canvas for expression, where music and movement will echo the calls for equality and acceptance.
