Good thing that Germany is economically well, as there might be tendency for certain deja-vu stuff (unnamed in here).
"No sharia law in Europe!" proclaimed one banner.
But it rapidly became clear that most here are protesting against high levels of immigration and asylum seekers.
A few years ago such scenes would have been inconceivable in this country. Many in Germany are ashamed and horrified - not just by the numbers at this demonstration but by support for right-wing groups elsewhere.
What has startled politicians, though, is that many in the crowds at Dresden are not extremists or neo-Nazis. As conservative politician Wolfgang Bosbach puts it, these are concerned mothers and pensioners.
The sheer numbers at recent demonstrations are forcing a public discussion around immigration. It's a debate with which many feel deeply uncomfortable. But it's a debate which many also say can no longer be ignored."
BBC News - Anti-Islam 'Pegida' march in German city of Dresden
EDIT: The title is a bit wrong, as it's more about immigrants in general. Can't edit it anymore.