Festivals And Holidays In Austria
Many of the year-round celebrations are a mirror of Austria’s rich and varied cultural past. Whether one is honoring Austria’s historical background, religious beliefs, artistic and musical achievements, cuisine, or winter sports, there is something to appreciate in that country. Since they reflect the habits and traditions that define Austria and make this country unique, holidays and celebrations are important features of Austrian culture.
Table Of Contents
- 1 Public holidays in Austria
- 2 Traditional Austrian Festivals
- 3 Religious Festivals and Celebrations
- 3.1 Christmas: Nativity scenes, Advent markets, and Midnight Mass
- 3.2 Easter: Holy Week processions, Easter egg traditions, and Easter Sunday feasts
- 3.3 All Saints’ Day: Remembrance of the deceased with candlelit grave visits
- 3.4 Corpus Christi: Religious processions and church ceremonies
- 3.5 Assumption Day: Celebrating the Virgin Mary with church services and processions
- 4 Music and Cultural Festivals
- 4.1 Salzburg Festival: Internationally renowned celebration of music and drama
- 4.2 Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert: Classical music extravaganza
- 4.3 Bregenz Festival: Opera performances on a floating stage by Lake Constance
- 4.4 Donauinselfest: Europe’s largest open-air music festival in Vienna
- 4.5 Innsbruck Festival of Early Music: Showcasing Baroque and Renaissance music
- 5 Culinary Festivals and Food Events
- 5.1 Wiener Wiesn-Fest: Traditional Austrian cuisine and beer festival
- 5.2 St. Martin’s Day: Roast goose feasts and wine celebrations
- 5.3 Linzer Torte Festival: Honoring Austria’s oldest known cake
- 5.4 Kürbisfest: Pumpkin festival in Styria featuring pumpkin dishes and carving contests
- 5.5 Weißbierfest: Wheat beer festival in Upper Austria
- 6 Winter Sports Festivals
- 6.1 Hahnenkamm Races: World-famous ski races in Kitzbühel
- 6.2 Semmering Night Race: Alpine skiing event under floodlights
- 6.3 Snowbombing Festival: Music and winter sports extravaganza in Mayrhofen
- 6.4 Advent Skiing: Skiing and Christmas markets in ski resorts
- 6.5 Ice Magic: Ice skating and winter activities in city centers
- 7 Film and Literature Festivals
- 7.1 Viennale: International film festival showcasing independent cinema
- 7.2 Crossing Europe Film Festival: Spotlight on European cinema in Linz
- 7.3 Ingeborg Bachmann Prize: Literary award celebrating German-language literature
- 7.4 Wortstaetten: Festival of contemporary drama and playwrights
- 7.5 Literaturfest Salzburg: Literary festival featuring readings and discussions
- 8 Folk Festivals and Traditional Events
- 8.1 VieVinum: International wine festival in Vienna
- 8.2 Almabtrieb: Cattle drive festivals celebrating the return of cows from alpine pastures
- 8.3 Steiermarkdorf: Styrian village festival showcasing regional traditions
- 8.4 Bauernherbst: Harvest festivals with traditional music, dance, and food
- 8.5 Stadtfest: City festivals celebrating local culture and cuisine
- 9 LGBT+ Festivals and Pride Events
- 9.1 Vienna Pride: Austria’s largest LGBT+ event promoting equality and diversity
- 9.2 Regenbogenball: Rainbow ball in Vienna celebrating diversity in style
- 9.3 EuroPride: European LGBT+ festival hosted in different cities including Vienna
- 9.4 Pink Lake Festival: LGBT+ event in Carinthia featuring parties and lake activities
- 9.5 Graz Pride: Pride parade and cultural events in Graz
- 10 Related Articles
- 10.1 Museums In Austria
- 10.2 Things To Do In Austria
- 10.3 Festivals And Holidays In Austria
- 10.4 Shopping In Austria
- 10.5 Culture Of Austria
- 10.6 Nightlife in Austria
- 10.7 Stay Safe And Healthy In Austria
- 10.8 Lakes In Austria
- 10.9 National Parks In Austria
- 10.10 Attractions And Landmarks In Austria
- 10.11 Entry Requirements For Austria
- 10.12 How To Get Around In Austria
- 10.13 Cultural Etiquette and Customs in Austria
- 10.14 Geography Of Austria
- 10.15 Demographics Of Austria
- 10.16 Economy Of Austria
- 10.17 Tourism In Austria
- 10.18 History Of Austria
- 10.19 Best Time To Visit Austria
- 10.20 How To Get To Austria
- 10.21 Austria
- 11 Go Next...
Public holidays in Austria
National public holidays
Most industries and all federal states in Austria observe the thirteen national public holidays. Since most of Austria is a Catholic nation, these festivals are largely centered on the Christian calendar. There are, however, also a few secular holidays honoring significant historical occurrences. The national public holidays of Austria are listed in the table below together with their local name, English translation, and note.
| Date | English translation | Local name | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | New Year’s Day | Neujahr | The first day of the Gregorian calendar year |
| 6 January | Epiphany | Heilige Drei Könige | The visit of the Magi to the infant Jesus |
| * | Easter Monday | Ostermontag | The day after Easter Sunday, which celebrates the resurrection of Jesus |
| 1 May | Labour Day | Staatsfeiertag | The international workers’ day, also the anniversary of the Austrian State Treaty of 1955 |
| * | Ascension Day | Christi Himmelfahrt | The ascension of Jesus to heaven, 39 days after Easter Sunday |
| * | Whit Monday | Pfingstmontag | The descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, 49 and 50 days after Easter Sunday |
| * | Corpus Christi | Fronleichnam | The celebration of the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ, Thursday after Trinity Sunday (60 days after Easter Sunday) |
| 15 August | Assumption Day | Mariä Himmelfahrt | The assumption of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to heaven |
| 26 October | National Day | Nationalfeiertag | The day of the Declaration of Neutrality in 1955, which established Austria as a neutral country |
| 1 November | All Saints’ Day | Allerheiligen | The day of honoring all the saints and martyrs of the Christian faith |
| 8 December | Immaculate Conception | Mariä Empfängnis | The conception of Mary without original sin |
| 25 December | Christmas Day | Christtag | The birth of Jesus |
| 26 December | St. Stephen’s Day | Stefanitag | The feast day of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr |
An asterisk (*) denotes a movable holiday, which means that its date varies according to the lunar cycle.
Regional public holidays
Regional public holidays are those that are observed in particular federal states or industries in addition to the national ones. Usually, these celebrations are centered on the historical events or patron saints of the particular areas. The regional public holidays of Austria are included in the table below together with their English translation, local name, observed states, and commentary.
| Date | English translation | Local name | Observed States | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19 March | Saint Joseph’s Day | Josefstag | Carinthia, Styria, Tyrol and Vorarlberg | The feast day of St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus |
| 2 days before Easter Sunday | Good Friday | Karfreitag | All states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday | The day of the crucifixion of Jesus |
| 4 May | Saint Florian’s Day | Florian | Upper Austria | The feast day of St. Florian, the patron saint of firefighters and Upper Austria |
| 24 June | Saint John’s Day | Johannistag | Tyrol and Salzburg | The feast day of St. John the Baptist, the precursor of Jesus |
| 24 September | Saint Rupert’s Day | Rupert | Salzburg | The feast day of St. Rupert, the patron saint and founder of Salzburg |
| 10 October | Plebiscite Day | Tag der Volksabstimmung | Carinthia | The anniversary of the Carinthian plebiscite of 1920, which determined the border between Austria and Yugoslavia |
| 11 November | Saint Martin’s Day | Martin | Burgenland | The feast day of St. Martin of Tours, the patron saint of Burgenland |
| 15 November | Saint Leopold’s Day | Leopold | Lower Austria and Vienna | The feast day of St. Leopold, the patron saint of Lower Austria and Vienna |
| 24 December | Christmas Eve | Weihnachten | All states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday | The eve of Christmas Day |
| 31 December | New Year’s Eve | Silvester | All states, recognized as bank holiday but not a federal public holiday | The last day of the Gregorian calendar year |
Traditional Austrian Festivals
Oktoberfest: Celebrating Bavarian culture in Austria
Famous Oktoberfest is celebrated in various regions of Austria, particularly in Vienna, although it started in Munich, Germany. Beer tents, live music, traditional costumes, and filling cuisine are all part of the late September to early October celebration. Oktoberfest is a terrific way to experience some of the world’s greatest beers and the culture and food of Bavaria.
Fasching: Carnival season with colorful parades
The season of funfairs before Lent is known as Fasching in Austria. People dress up in costumes, masks, and wigs and participate in many celebrations at this joyful, laughing, and mischievous time. The largest and brightest parades and gatherings of Fasching take place on Shrove Tuesday, also called Faschingsdienstag. The Imst Schemenlaufen, the Villach Carnival and the Vienna Opera Ball are a few of the most well-known Fasching activities.
Krampusnacht: Traditional Alpine folklore festival
Krampusnacht is a celebration of the long-standing Alpine folklore of Krampus, a hairy, horned monster that torments mischievous kids around Christmas. Men dressed as Krampus prowl the streets late on December 5th, ringing bells, rattling chains, and lashing onlookers with birch branches. Aside from bonfires, fireworks, and mulled wine, the festivity is supposed to terrify and amuse.
Wiener Christkindlmarkt: Iconic Christmas market in Vienna
One of the most well-known and historic Christmas markets in Europe is the Wiener Christkindlmarkt. Midway through December 24th, it takes place in Rathausplatz, the square in front of City Hall. A huge Christmas tree, a nativity scene, and a skating rink are among the many booths offering food, crafts, gifts, and Christmas décor. Anyone in Vienna over the holidays has to see the market.
Easter Markets: Festive markets offering Easter-themed treats and crafts
In Austria, Easter markets are yet another well-liked custom where people may purchase and admire Easter eggs, bunnies, candles, and other seasonal goods. Specially well-liked in Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz, the markets are typically held from late March to early April. The markets are also a terrific location to try some of the traditional Easter fare, such Schinken im Brotteig (ham in bread dough), Osterlamm (lamb-shaped cake), and Osterpinze (sweet bread).
Religious Festivals and Celebrations
Christmas: Nativity scenes, Advent markets, and Midnight Mass
The biggest holiday in Austria, Christmas is observed with a variety of traditions and customs. The Advent market is one of the most well-known customs; visitors can take in the joyous mood and purchase Christmas decorations, presents, and food. A further custom is the nativity scene, which shows Jesus being born in a stable. Exquisite, some even animated, nativity scenes are on display in many homes and churches. Many Austrians go to the somber and exquisite Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, which commemorates the birth of Christ.
Easter: Holy Week processions, Easter egg traditions, and Easter Sunday feasts
An other important Austrian holiday, Easter honors the death and resurrection of Jesus. Holy Week, the week preceding Easter, is crammed with processions and rituals including Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday. Reenacting the Passion of Christ with hundreds of people, the Brixen Easter Procession is one of the most well-known processions. Easter Sunday is when Austrians commemorate Jesus’ resurrection with gifts, games, and feasts. Easter eggs, painted, dyed, or adorned in a variety of hues and patterns, are among the most often given gifts.
All Saints’ Day: Remembrance of the deceased with candlelit grave visits
The saints and the departed are honored on All Saints’ Day celebration. November 1st, is a public holiday in Austria. Numerous Austrians light lights and place flowers on their loved ones’ graves on this day. The serious and lovely image of the candlelight graves captures the reverence and love that Austrians hold for their forefathers.
Corpus Christi: Religious processions and church ceremonies
The celebration of Corpus Christi honours the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, or the bread and wine consecrated at Mass. It’s observed on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, which falls often in late May or early June. Many communities celebrate this day with processions and rituals in which the Eucharist is carried in a monstrance, a container that holds the holy host. Frequently accompanied by music, flags, and flowers, the processions pause at several altars along the route.
Assumption Day: Celebrating the Virgin Mary with church services and processions
The celebration of Assumption Day honours the notion that the Virgin Mary was carried up to heaven at the end of her life. August 15th is the day, and in Austria it is a public vacation. Numerous Austrians honor the mother of Jesus with prayers, hymns, and offerings during church services and processions on this day. Among the most well-known processions are those of Maria Taferl, Maria Plain, and Mariazell Basilica.
Music and Cultural Festivals
Salzburg Festival: Internationally renowned celebration of music and drama
One of the biggest and most renowned festivals in the world, Salzburg presents the finest in classical music and theater. World-class artists and ensembles perform opera, concerts, and theater throughout the late July–late August festival. Held in several locations throughout Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace, the event draws thousands of attendees each.
Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert: Classical music extravaganza
A 1939 custom, the Vienna Philharmonic New Year’s Concert is one of the most well-known and extensively televised classical music events worldwide. A program comprising waltzes, polkas, and marches by the Strauss family and other composers will be performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra on January 1. Ballet dancers and choir singers accompany the performance, which is taking place in the Musikverein, a beautiful Vienna concert hall.
Bregenz Festival: Opera performances on a floating stage by Lake Constance
The opera and water festival Bregenz is singular and stunning. Mid-July through mid-August is when the festival, which takes place beside Lake Constance, the third-largest lake in Central Europe, offers opera performances on a floating stage. The 7,000-person capacity stage is redesigned and constructed annually. In other locations surrounding Bregenz, the festival also presents additional theatrical and musical activities.
Donauinselfest: Europe’s largest open-air music festival in Vienna
Taking place on the final weekend of June, Donauinselfest, often known as the Danube Island Festival, is the biggest free outdoor music event in Europe. Rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, folk, and other genres are among the more than 2,000 artists and performers at the festival. Annually drawing millions of tourists, the festival is staged on a 21-kilometer-long island on the Danube River.
Innsbruck Festival of Early Music: Showcasing Baroque and Renaissance music
The Baroque and Renaissance music and culture are honored at the Innsbruck Festival of Early Music. The late July–late August festival includes operas, concerts, talks, and workshops led by well-known performers and specialists. The Imperial Palace, the Court Church, and the Ambras Castle are just a few of the historic locations in which the event is hosted in Innsbruck city.
Culinary Festivals and Food Events
Wiener Wiesn-Fest: Traditional Austrian cuisine and beer festival
Wiener Wiesn-Fest, sometimes known as the Vienna Oktoberfest, honors Austrian beer and traditional food. Large tents, live music, traditional costumes and filling cuisine are all part of the celebration, which runs from late September until mid-October. Tafelspitz, Kaiserschmarrn, Apfelstrudel, and Wiener Schnitzel are just a few of the traditional Austrian foods that may be sampled at Wiener Wiesn-Fest along with some of the best beers in the nation.
St. Martin’s Day: Roast goose feasts and wine celebrations
Festivities honoring the conclusion of the harvest season and the start of winter include St. Martin’s Day. Honored on November 11, it is connected to the story of St. Martin of Tours, who gave a beggar his coat. Many Austrians feast on roast goose today, which is supposed to represent St. Martin’s generosity. Additionally served at the feast is wine, which is supposed to symbolize St. Martin’s blood.
Linzer Torte Festival: Honoring Austria’s oldest known cake
The Linzer Torte Festival celebrates the cake that is thought to be the oldest known cake in the world. There is a parade, a market, and a competition at the late November celebration. The cake was first documented in 1653 in the city of Linz, where the festival is celebrated. A jam filling—typically raspberry—and a lattice top are baked inside a shortcrust pastry cake.
Kürbisfest: Pumpkin festival in Styria featuring pumpkin dishes and carving contests
One of the most adaptable and nourishing crops is honored at the Kürbisfest, or Pumpkin Festival. Fall pumpkin soup, bread, pie, and pumpkin seed oil are among the many pumpkin-based items served at the late October event. The festival is taking place in Styria, a region well-known for its cultivation and output of pumpkins. Games, exhibitions, and pumpkin carving competitions are other events of the celebration.
Weißbierfest: Wheat beer festival in Upper Austria
The wheat beer, or Weißbierfest, is a celebration of a particular kind of beer produced mostly using wheat malt. Late in June, the festival offers a variety of wheat beers from different breweries together with live music, food, and entertainment. The festival draws beer enthusiasts from near and far to the Upper Austrian village of Schärding.
Winter Sports Festivals
Hahnenkamm Races: World-famous ski races in Kitzbühel
Annually held in late January in the municipality of Kitzbühel, the Hahnenkamm Races are the most famous and difficult ski competitions worldwide. Best alpine skiers compete in the events on the fabled Streif slope, which is renowned for its steepness, speed, and peril. Celebrities and thousands of spectators are drawn to the races for the exciting racing and glitzy setting.
Semmering Night Race: Alpine skiing event under floodlights
Every year in the late December, the resort of Semmering hosts the Semmering Night Race, an alpine skiing competition. Under floodlights, the women’s and giant slalom events of the event provide a magnificent and joyous setting. A component of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup, the competition attracts some of the top female skiers worldwide.
Snowbombing Festival: Music and winter sports extravaganza in Mayrhofen
In a novel and entertaining way, the Snowbombing Festival blends music and winter sports. Every year, in the resort of Mayrhofen, the festival takes place in early April and includes more than 100 acts and performers from a variety of genres and styles, including hip hop, dance, rock, pop, and more. Along with these winter sports, the festival provides snowshoeing, ice skating, skiing, and snowboarding.
Advent Skiing: Skiing and Christmas markets in ski resorts
One custom that lets skiers enjoy the Christmas markets and the slopes on the same day is advent skiing. Every year from late November until late December, Schladming, Zell am See, and St. Anton are among the Austrian ski resorts where the custom is carried out. Skiers may enjoy the festive atmosphere and purchase Christmas decorations, gifts, and food in the neighboring Christmas markets in the evening after skiing in the morning and afternoon.
Ice Magic: Ice skating and winter activities in city centers
Austrian city centres are turned into ice skating and snow wonderlands during the winter festival Ice Magic. Every year, the festival is held in several Austrian towns including Vienna, Salzburg, and Innsbruck, between late November and late February. Along with other winter sports like curling, sledding and snow tubing, the festival includes both big and small ice skating rinks, ice sculptures, ice bars and ice shows.
Film and Literature Festivals
Viennale: International film festival showcasing independent cinema
The biggest and most significant film event in Austria, Viennale, or Vienna International Film Festival, presents the finest independent films from all over the world. Over 300 films in a variety of genres, styles, and media are screened at the yearly late October and early November festival. The festival draws moviegoers who are passionate about movies as well as filmmakers and reviewers to several Viennan theaters.
Crossing Europe Film Festival: Spotlight on European cinema in Linz
The modern and varied European film is the main emphasis of the Crossing Europe Film Festival. Annually held in late April or early May, the festival presents more than 100 films from different parts of Europe. Held in Linz, the cultural hub of Upper Austria, the festival provides a forum for discussion and interaction between filmmakers and viewers.
Ingeborg Bachmann Prize: Literary award celebrating German-language literature
A literary prize honoring German-language literature and its writers is the Ingeborg Bachmann Prize. The prize bears the name of eminent Austrian poet and writer Ingeborg Bachmann. Each year, in late June or early July, the prize ceremony includes a reading, a competition, and a jury debate. Held in the capital of Carinthia, Klagenfurt, the award draws some of the most gifted and creative authors in the German-speaking world.
Wortstaetten: Festival of contemporary drama and playwrights
Austrian and international contemporary drama and playwrights are honored at Wortstaetten, or Word Places, festival. Every year, in late February or early March, the festival presents a variety of new plays, readings, workshops, and conversations. The festival provides a forum for playwrights, directors, performers, and spectators to experiment and work together in a number of Viennan theaters and settings.
Literaturfest Salzburg: Literary festival featuring readings and discussions
Some of the most well-known and up-and-coming writers from Austria and beyond will be reading and having talks at Literaturfest Salzburg, also known as the Salzburg Literature Festival. Annually held in late May or early June, the festival includes more than 50 events including talks, debates, interviews, and performances. Held in Salzburg, the birthplace of Mozart and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the festival draws book lovers from all around.
Folk Festivals and Traditional Events
VieVinum: International wine festival in Vienna
Festival VieVinum honors Austrian and international wine culture and business. Every two years, the early June event attracts 15,000 attendees from different countries and regions in addition to approximately 500 exhibitors. Offering a range of wine tastings, lectures, and presentations, the festival is hosted in the Hofburg Palace, a former royal house in Vienna.
Almabtrieb: Cattle drive festivals celebrating the return of cows from alpine pastures
The celebration of the cows’ autumn return from the alpine pastures to the valleys is known as Almabtrieb, or Cattle Drive. The cows are paraded through the villages and towns during the late September–early October celebration, when they are decked out with flowers, ribbons and bells. Alongside the festival are cuisine, crafts, dance, and music.
Steiermarkdorf: Styrian village festival showcasing regional traditions
Southeast Austria’s Styria region’s customs and culture are highlighted at the festival known as Steiermarkdorf, or Styrian Village. Annually held in late April or early May, the festival includes a reproduction of a Styrian town in the heart of Vienna. Attractions at the festival include folk music, costumes, crafts, and food.
Bauernherbst: Harvest festivals with traditional music, dance, and food
Austrian rural life and the harvest season are celebrated at Bauernherbst, also known as Farmer’s Autumn. Over 2,000 events are planned for the festival, which runs from late August to late October at different parts of the nation. Together with farm tours, hikes, and markets, the event provides a range of activities including traditional music, dance, food, and crafts.
Stadtfest: City festivals celebrating local culture and cuisine
Stadtfest, or City Festival, honors the regional cuisine and culture of several Austrian cities. The festival, which spans late May to early June, offers a range of activities and attractions including seminars, exhibitions, concerts, and plays. A terrific chance to sample some of the regional specialties, such Mozartkugeln, Sachertorte, and Wiener Schnitzel, is also provided by the festival.
LGBT+ Festivals and Pride Events
Vienna Pride: Austria’s largest LGBT+ event promoting equality and diversity
Promoting equality and diversity for all, Vienna Pride is the biggest and most well-known LGBT+ event in Austria. A range of events and attractions, including the Pride Run, Pride Night, Pride Village, and Rainbow Parade, are part of this annual June celebration. The occasion draws thousands of participants and visitors to Vienna, the capital and cultural center of Austria.
Regenbogenball: Rainbow ball in Vienna celebrating diversity in style
Regenbogenball, often known as Rainbow Ball, honors the grace and variety of the LGBT+ community and its supporters. Annually held in late January or early February, the ball is a glamorous, dancing, music, and entertainment event. A chance to dress up and experience ballroom culture, the event is hosted in the Parkhotel Schönbrunn, a historic imperial residence in Vienna.
EuroPride: European LGBT+ festival hosted in different cities including Vienna
European LGBT+ festival EuroPride takes place annually in several European locations. Numerous events and activities that honor LGBT+ culture and rights include parades, concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. The event also seeks to increase understanding and backing for LGBT+ problems and concerns both inside and outside of Europe. 2019 saw Vienna host the biggest and most successful EuroPride event to date.
Pink Lake Festival: LGBT+ event in Carinthia featuring parties and lake activities
Every year, in late August or early September, the Carinthian region hosts the LGBT+ Pink Lake Festival. Boat trips, beach clubs, pool parties and water sports are just a few of the events and activities held around the lake. Beautiful lakeside resort and well-liked tourist attraction Velden am Wörthersee is the location of the event.
Graz Pride: Pride parade and cultural events in Graz
Graz Pride is an annual June pride parade and cultural festival held in the city of Graz. Together with music, speeches, and performances, the parade includes a march of vibrant floats, banners, and costumes. A festival with a range of cultural events and activities, such cinema screenings, exhibitions, talks, and workshops, follows the procession. The second-biggest city and the creative hub of Austria, Graz, is the site of the event.
