Overview

• Good Friday is observed as a solemn day in Germany, with a legal ban on dancing enforced nationwide, varying in strictness and duration by state.
• In Saxony, the ban applies to all public dance events and extends to private celebrations held in public spaces, with retail closures also mandated under state law.
• Violations of the dance ban can result in fines of up to €5,000 or even €15,000 for severe infractions, with local authorities conducting random inspections.
• Recent enforcement in Saxony included fines for a Dresden club found violating the law, though other cities like Leipzig and Chemnitz reported no breaches.
• The ban continues to spark debate, with supporters citing the protection of religious traditions and critics arguing it is outdated in a modern, pluralistic society.