Miners' Day in Bad Schlema: tradition and remembrance combined!

Miners' Day in Bad Schlema: tradition and remembrance combined!

There are signs of celebration in Bad Schlema! On July 5th, the traditional Miners' Day will be celebrated for the 28th time and invites everyone interested to take part in the diverse festivities. This special day commemorates a tragic mining accident that claimed the lives of 33 people 70 years ago. According to the initiators, it is all the more important to celebrate this day with due respect and in community. Under the motto “What does it mean to be a mine rescuer,” the event will focus on the region’s mining history and celebrate the community’s solidarity.

The celebrations begin at 9:45 a.m. with a memorial service at the Ehrenhain on the old Lößnitzer Straße. Just in time for the opening, the “Glückauf” Schneeberg mountain choir will give a preliminary concert to round off the festive setting. Afterwards, the traditional mountain lift starts, which loosens up the atmosphere with around 100 participants from 12 miners' clubs. The path leads from the “Lothar Lässig” wrestling center via Alte Lößnitzer Straße up to Ehrenhain. The elevator symbolizes not only tradition, but also the miners' deep connection to their homeland.

Community preparation and engagement

The preparations for this important day were carried out on a voluntary basis by 22 members of the BTV Wismut parade group and the Bad Schlema e.V. mountain brotherhood. The main work was removing stones from the pond, cleaning the path and cutting back bushes. The inscription on the monument also received a new coat of paint and the meadow was renovated. The effort required to maintain the Grove of Honor should not be underestimated and is evidence of the community's great commitment to tradition and remembrance.

Miners' Day has a long tradition that goes back to the GDR era. As Wikipedia reports, the day has also been celebrated as a day of honor for energy workers since 1975 and took place annually on the first Sunday in July until 1990. These celebrations often had the character of a folk festival, with public awards for deserving miners and energy workers. A custom that is still upheld today in parts of the former GDR.

A look into mining history

The history of mining itself is not just a chapter in the history books, but continues to shape the understanding of nature, environment and society in the region to this day. Aspects of mining history are covered in collections such as the German Mining Museum Bochum, where interdisciplinary approaches are taken to analyze the impact of mining on landscapes and communities. By combining the history of knowledge and material culture research, the mining heritage is adequately acknowledged, while also taking into account current debates about natural resources.

Many citizens are hoping for good weather and numerous visitors to make Miners' Day in Bad Schlema a successful celebration. Take advantage of the opportunity to experience this special day together and learn the history of mining up close!