Universal Children’s Day in Germany Date in the current year: September 20, 2024

During the Cold War, when Germany was split into the GDR and the FRG, each part of the country celebrated its own Children’s Day.

East Germany celebrated International Children’s Day (Internationaler Kindertag) along with many other Eastern European countries. This annual holiday was introduced in the GDR in 1950. On this day, children received gifts from their parents. In schools and kindergartens, special events were held such as parades, concerts, and field trips.

In West Germany, Universal Children’s Day (Weltkindertag) was celebrated on September 20. It began in close coordination with UNICEF. This holiday had political connotations and put the main emphasis on strengthening children’s rights in Germany and around the world. Presents and games were of secondary importance.

After German reunification in 1990, Universal Children’s Day was officially established as the country’s holiday that celebrates the rising generation. However, most parents in the eastern part of the country still give their children gifts on June 1, while public events take place on September 20.