by Volker Hasse
On February 10, 1209, Berlin’s „Green Lung“ was first mentioned in records under the name of COPANIC. In the 800 years leading to this year’s town jubilee, Köpenick developed from a „hill site“ at the junction of Dahme and Spree into a popular tourism destination, rich in lakes and in the greenest environment of Berlin. After the fusion of Berlin & Treptow in 2001, it became an international location for science and media.
The historical pageant, taking place from July 12 to 14, 2009 on the occasion of the Köpenick Summer, will be characterized by famous personalities from Köpenick, such as the last ruler of the Slavs, Jaxa, who lost his fortress on today’s Schloßinsel to the Wettin margrave Konrad II of Meißen, King Frederick II, who had to witness the execution of his friend Lieutenant Hans Hermann of Katte in Castle Coepenick after the court martial of 1730, and, of course, the world-famous Captain of Köpenick, who was actually a jobless shoemaker by the name of Wilhelm Voigt.
Further highlights among over 60 events during the jubilee year will include:
– Visit of Federal President Horst Köhler on 03/17/2009,
– the Week of Partner Towns from July 22 to 26, 2009, with delegations from the partner towns of Cologne and Odernheim – Germany, Olomouc – Czech Republic, Komitat Vesprem – Hungary, Subotica – Serbia, Izola – Slovenia, Mürzzuschlag – Austria, Albinea – Italy, Cajamarca – Peru, and East Norriton Township – USA,
– the Treptow festivities, starting on 06/05/2009, with the traditional fireworks of „Treptow in Flames“ on June 6, 2009,
– the Köpenick Water Festival at Müggelsee from July 10 to 12, 2009,
– Jubilee Concert of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra on September 22, 2009, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, in the KWO halls in Oberschöneweide
– 20 years Fall of the Wall – a colorful family festival on Sonnenallee on November 09, 2009.
From July 10 to August 09, the boat race course in Grünau will be all about „Hot Summer“, a musical based on the GDR cult movie by the same name.
More information at www.800jahrekoepenick.de.
