As a part of Gothenburg City’s official celebration we want to highlight the importance and possibilities of the church, both historically and in the present.
The celebrations will be noticeable both as grand events and in small acts, for example large exhibitions and the choice of melodies the church bells will play. Through our own program, as well as in cooperation with others, we want to show the importance of the Church of Sweden to the historic development of the city, and to the future. We are all part of the city!
Most events will be in Swedish, but there are a few offerings in English or German as well.
A Cry for Help! – 75 years since the German and Balt extradition
In January 2021 it is exactly 75 years since the last boat carrying Baltic and German refugees left for the Soviet Union, in what is known as the German and Balt extradition after the end of World War 2. With its starting point in hundreds of newly discovered letters from interned German servicemen and their relatives, this exhibition in German Christinae church tells their story in a haunting and personal way.
”A Cry for Help!” is the first in a series of exhibitions called ”From World Politics to the Treasures of the Church”, that will open in the churches of the parish from the year 2021 to 2023.
From church bells to women of historic importance
A series of lectures on the theme ”Without the church, no city”, telling the story of the common history of Gothenburg and the church in Gothenburg. The dates are June 4 (the official birthday), September 11 (the 100 year anniversary of the first election where Swedish women could vote) and November 6 (Gustavus Adolphus Day).
A summer of celebration – it is Gothenburg’s 400 year birthday!
On Friday June 4 2021 it is exactly 400 years since king Gustavus II Adolphus signed the city privileges, making Gothenburg a city. The celebrations will be calmer than previously planned, but we will celebrate!
And Burås church celebrates 50 years!
Burås church is one of the modern churches in the city, and the building of it was initiated and by local parishioners. An anniversary worship service and other festivities will mark the official birthday on June 6 2021.
Get to know Gothenburg in a new way
Walking through Gothenburg means walking through 400 years of history. With a little imagination you can hear the merchants peddle their wares on the canals, and the soaring notes from the organ when the first female Cathedral organist in Europe plays a hymn.
Join us during summer when we offer guided city walking tours in three languages: Swedish, English and German, taking you from Stampen cemetary to the Cathedral, focusing on the people of Gothenburg church history.
Birthday celebrations on Friday June 4 2021
On Gothenburg’s actual birthday, Gothenburg Cathedral parish participates as a part of the official historic celebrations of the city of Gothenburg. The oldest history of Gothenburg is the focal point for this day, with the city blocks surrounding Kornhusbodarna being the main area for the program.
An anniversary worship service in nearby German Christinae church opens the day, there will be guided tours and tower climbing, music, interactive art and much more. We also open the summer exhibition “Well Known but Different – Historic Treasures from Five Centuries” in the Cathedral and German Christinae church, where images and objects from the history of all the nine churches in the parish are on display.
2022
Historic support for the city, aiming for the future
During 2022 we focus especially on diaconal work and its often essential importance for the inhabitants of the city, both historically and presently. For early Gothenburgers it often was the church that kept them from starvation. Today, the diaconal work by the church is, for many, a helping hand and security when needed. And as long as there are people who need help, the church will be here with that help.
2023
Celebration reboost and anniversaries of beloved Gothenburgian institutions
During spring 2023 there are several celebrations in the city of Gothenburg: the postponed anniversary celebrations for the city, as well as anniversaries for the amusement park Liseberg, the Botanical garden, the Art Museum of Gothenburg and German Christinae church!
From baroque to pop music – 400 years of the music of the city
The anniversary spring of 2023 brings the concert series “From Baroque to Pop Music” – five concerts that together show the importance of the church in the Gothenburgian music life from the 1600s to today. Every century comes to life in a different church: the 17th century in German Christinae church, the 18th century in Haga church, the 19th century in Gothenburg Cathedral, the 20th century in Johanneberg church and the 21st century in Annedal church. And the lecture “The music of the city in 400 years” will highlight the importance of the church for live music.
The 400 year anniversary celebrations are centered on June 4 2023, with a plethora of public events among the milling crowds of central Gothenburg. During the weekend all of the parish churches are open to the public and offer rich and varied local programs.
We also offer guided historical walking tours, and the weekend also opens the parish’s summer program.
The official anniversary celebrations of the city of Gothenburg opens with an anniversary worship service, featuring international guests, in German Christinae church. After this, the newly landscaped Queen’s park on the church grounds is opened to the public. Its esthetic and flora ties modern day Gothenburg to the countries where the founders of Gothenburg hailed from: Sweden, the Netherlands, Germany, and Great Britain.
We also celebrate the 400th anniversary of the German congregation! To commemorate this, brand new book is released, with both a German and a Swedish edition.
Enlightening central Gothenburg
At 16.21 (4.21 pm) on New Year’s Eve 2021/2021, the carillon in German Christinae church will play the official anniversary song of the city, and thereby kick off the three year celebration of both the city and the Gothenburg Cathedral parish. At the same time, the new floodlighting of German Christinae church is lit for the first time – our anniversary gift to the people of Gothenburg, permanently lightening up a central part of the city and making it a safer place.
To celebrate the 400 year anniversary of Gothenburg the anniversary song “Vi vill leva, vi vill dö I Göteborg” (We want to live, we want to die in Gothenburg) is played by the carillon bells every day throughout 2021, at 16.21 (4.21 pm) to highlight the founding of the city in the year 1621.
A special program for the schools of Gothenburg
Taking its starting point in the 4oo year history of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Cathedral parish offers a new program for students, lifting the voices of children, and the diversity among the Gothenburgians right from the founding of the city.
For contents, times and availability in English, please contact the Cathedral staff.