German unity in Dresden: Rain, warnings and protest
Germans have marked the 26th anniversary of national reunification. There were plenty of festivities in the baroque center of the eastern city of Dresden on Monday - as well as loud protests against the chancellor.
Germany's Jewel Box
Dresden, the capital of the eastern state of Saxony, hosted this year's celebrations for the Day of German Unity. The city on the Elbe River is famous for its Frauenkirche church, the Semperoper and the Zwinger palace (pictured)
Challenges on the horizon
Chancellor Angela Merkel pointed out "new tasks, new problems" in Germany. "It's important for Germans to respond with mutual respect and acceptance of very different political views, and that we also find good solutions," she said.
Angry crowds
Not everyone was in an accepting mood. "Merkel must go," hundreds of far-right protesters yelled, calling the chancellor a "traitor."
Direct confrontation
Outside of the city's majestic Frauenkirche church, a visibly perturbed Merkel and President Joachim Gauck faced the angry protesters and their placards.
Hoping to build bridges
For the organizers, the festival was not about dissent, but about "building bridges" - this year's motto. The federal states, artists, and various institutions and organizations were on display in drizzling Dresden.
100 hearts
Decorated and painted by organizations, celebrities and artists, these heart-shaped sculptures brought color to the rainy early days of October. After the festivities, they will be auctioned off, with the proceeds going to organizations for children with cancer.
Proud heritage
The three-day unity celebration program in Dresden drew thousands of people and featured music in churches and squares throughout the center of the city, as well as public discussions, sports and dance events, and presentations and marches by traditional associations, such as the above miners from the Ore Mountains.
Police presence
Security was tight during the festivities, which started on October 1. Dresden was shocked last week by two homemade explosive devices set off outside a mosque and a conference center. Three police cars were destroyed in an arson attack Sunday.