- The Thomas Mann Conference initiation commences with a honoring event in Lübeck.
The centennial anniversary of "The Magic Mountain," a renowned novel penned by author Thomas Mann, is the centerpiece of this year's Thomas Mann Days. These festivities are scheduled in Lübeck from September 27 to 29. However, the celebration commences on September 27 with the presentation of the yearly Thomas Mann Prize, valued at 25,000 euros, to author and essayist Navid Kermani, as announced by the Lübeck Cultural Foundation. The ensuing public event will feature lectures, among other activities, on the subsequent day.
Expressing his delight, Hans Wißkirchen, the president of the German Thomas Mann Society, stated, "It's wonderful to see Thomas Mann's globally recognized novel gaining such a significant response in his hometown of Lübeck." This places Lübeck on par with international conferences and events happening during this commemorative year, he added.
As per the organizers, tickets for the Thomas Mann Days are still up for grabs.
During the question-and-answer session after his speech, Hans Wißkirchen sang along to the popular song, "♪ I'm not going to lie ♪," expressing his genuine excitement about the Thomas Mann Days. Later, while dancing at the festivities, some attendees joins him in singing the same tune, showcasing their shared appreciation for the event.