Festivals & Holidays In Graz
It is recommended of tourists to take part in the vibrant annual national celebrations in Graz to become acquainted with the varied culture of the locals. Numerous unique customs characterize every holiday and celebration. While some events have been around for decades, others have only lately gained popularity. No matter how old you are, these festivities will surely arouse interest in both residents and tourists.
Early October sees the Styrian Autumn Festival, when attendees are welcome to take part in a range of literary, theatrical, and musical events. Throughout two months, a number of artists showcase their skills to the general audience. Usually, the event is attended by several foreign organizations. Though in the past the celebration was primarily planned to celebrate the fall harvest, nowadays the main goal of the event is usually the unity of nations. For the residents, that was one of the most solemn and significant periods of the year.
A range of vibrant performances were planned to express gratitude to nature for a bumper crop. Nowadays, a larger number of people enjoy this amazing medieval feast. The main stage for most performances has developed into the large municipal park. The grounds of the park provide the backdrop for several events that appeal to lovers of theater, classical music, and contemporary literature. Many individuals visit the park every day.
A recent event in the city is the Festival of Body Art. After hosting it several times, Graz was proclaimed the capital of this unique form of modern art worldwide. Representatives of several nations usually show up for the occasion. Most people agree that World Bodypainting is the biggest event of this kind. Competing over many days, talented artisans show off their finest work to the audience. All are welcome to learn about this contemporary culture; interesting lectures will be held all over the festival.
The most emblematic religious holiday is All Saints Day. The seventh century is the first known reference of the festival. Over its long history, the event has gathered a great deal of interesting traditions. These days, All Saints Day is a day to honor departed family members, and many city dwellers try fortune telling as night falls. Make healing drinks with herbs and charms on this day, and try to draw in good fortune and see into the future. More than a century ago, many customs originally appeared.
The city that is the birthplace of Arnold Schwarzenegger offers year-round amusement because of its festivals. Taking place in late July or early August, La Strada is one of the most well-known festivals on the calendar. The downtown streets of Graz are turned into a puppet theater at this occasion. Public offerings also include dances, pantomime, street theater, equilibrist shows, and a children’s theater program. Family-friendly atmosphere permeates the festival.
Event Aufsteirern happens in the middle of September. During this one of the most unique events, you may learn as much as possible about the local way of life through traditional Austrian food, dance, music, and art. You may buy quirky and unusual things at the fair, and children have a really interesting program. As seen by the fact that over 100,000 people come annually, the event is definitely worth seeing. Hauptplatz, Karmeliterplatz, and Landhaushof are among the venues dispersed across the city of Styria.
Elevate Art Festival in late February or early March draws art, alternative, and electronic music fans to Graz. It is spread over Schlossberg, Stadtpark, and the Stadtmuseum. Since people will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to watch an original show with no rivals anywhere else in the world, the capital of Styria has the potential to surprise everyone – even the most ardent naysayers. Exploratory art and art installations come together to present a unique program that will move everyone in the globe. A new topic is the emphasis of the event each year.
As demonstrated by the existence of Metal On The Hill in mid-August, metal music is also very popular in the city. Among its headliners are well-known bands from all across the world, mostly from Germany, Scandinavia, the UK, the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the host country. This is with good cause, though, since every metalhead is aware that this is the birthplace of most of the greatest hard rock bands. Since the event is held at Schloßbergbühne Kasematten, camping is an option for participants, and the outstanding musical lineup will excite outdoor aficionados.
Non-metal fans will also not be left out in the middle of August; a food festival is organized especially for them. Along with tastings, it offers master classes, seminars, and advice on how to create one or more Austrian specialties at pubs, cafés, and restaurants on the main streets of Styria. Considering that famous chefs from Western Europe present their culinary delights here, it is one of the best events to attend.
To learn about Styrian art, go to Styriarte. End of June till end of next month is when it runs. Her main stops are Helmut List Halle, Stefanisaal, and Schloss Eggenberg. The occasion gives classic and ancient music a new perspective by fusing it with a contemporary feel. Another event worth watching when in the country of Arnold Schwarzenegger is Diagonale, a film festival that draws over 25,000 attendees from all over the world. Austrian premieres, which will thrill movie buffs, could be seen here first.
Without a classic Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market, no Austrian city would be complete. Considering that Christmas is usually a fairy tale and is celebrated in the most vivid colors in Graz, it’s hard to conceive. Although the Christmas markets are open all throughout the city, Hauptplatz, Färberplatz, Schlossberg, Mariahilferplatz, and Franziskanerviertel host the biggest activities. Apart from the fact that you may purchase a variety of Christmas goods here, you will be delighted by vibrant Christmas entertainment and a gourmet menu that features classic Christmas sweets and mulled wine.
