New Years Eve.

31 Dec 2005. Since the momentous events of 1989, the Brandenburg Gate has come to symbolise the unification of east and west Germany, and as such has become the focus for various celebrations, including the feast day of St Silvester, on 31 December. 5 million revellers welcomed in the new millennium here and since the early 1990s, New Years Eve, or Silvester as it is called here, has drawn hundreds of thousands from Germany and beyond to the famous Gate. Commissioned by Friedrich Wilhelm II to represent peace, the Gate was designed by architect C G Langhans and completed in the late 18th century. It is the only city gate still left standing in Berlin. On New Years Eve, the six Doric columns topped by the goddess of Victory in her quadriga provide a dramatic backdrop to the festivities which begin at nightfall, with a 40-metre high Ferris wheel, live bands on four giant stages, DJs, light shows and an open-air disco, leading up to the spectacular firework display at midnight. The party, which stretches 2 km from the Gate to the Column of Victory, will go on till the small hours. This years event also serves as a prelude to the football World Cup to be held in 2006 in Germany. Admission is obviously free.