Experience Austria's cultural heritage through its celebrated national holidays, from National Day to St. Nicholas Day.
| Day | Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Jan 01,2023 | New Year's Day | National holiday |
| Friday | Jan 06,2023 | Epiphany | National holiday |
| Sunday | Mar 19,2023 | Saint Joseph's Day | State holiday |
| Sunday | Mar 26,2023 | Daylight Saving Time starts | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Sunday | Apr 02,2023 | Palm Sunday | Observance |
| Friday | Apr 07,2023 | Good Friday | Observance |
| Sunday | Apr 09,2023 | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Monday | Apr 10,2023 | Easter Monday | National holiday |
| Monday | May 01,2023 | Labor Day / May Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | May 04,2023 | Saint Florian's Day | State holiday |
| Sunday | May 14,2023 | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Thursday | May 18,2023 | Ascension Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | May 28,2023 | Whit Sunday | Observance |
| Monday | May 29,2023 | Whit Monday | National holiday |
| Thursday | Jun 08,2023 | Corpus Christi | National holiday |
| Sunday | Jun 11,2023 | Father's Day | Observance |
| Tuesday | Aug 15,2023 | Assumption of Mary | National holiday |
| Sunday | Sep 24,2023 | European Heritage Days | Observance |
| Sunday | Sep 24,2023 | Saint Rupert's Day | State holiday |
| Monday | Sep 25,2023 | Yom Kippur | Optional Holiday |
| Tuesday | Oct 10,2023 | Plebiscite Day | State holiday |
| Thursday | Oct 26,2023 | National Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Oct 29,2023 | Daylight Saving Time ends | Clock change/Daylight Saving Time |
| Tuesday | Oct 31,2023 | Reformation Day | Observance |
| Wednesday | Nov 01,2023 | All Saints' Day | National holiday |
| Thursday | Nov 02,2023 | All Souls' Day | Observance |
| Saturday | Nov 11,2023 | Saint Martin's Day | State holiday |
| Wednesday | Nov 15,2023 | Saint Leopold's Day | State holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 03,2023 | First Advent Sunday | Observance |
| Friday | Dec 08,2023 | Immaculate Conception | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 24,2023 | Christmas Eve | Bank holiday |
| Monday | Dec 25,2023 | Christmas Day | National holiday |
| Tuesday | Dec 26,2023 | St. Stephen's Day | National holiday |
| Sunday | Dec 31,2023 | New Year's Eve | Observance |
New Year's Day, also known as "Neujahrstag" in Austria, is celebrated on January 1st. It marks the beginning of the new year with fireworks, parties, and gatherings. Austrians exchange good wishes and make resolutions for the year ahead. It's a time for fresh starts and optimism, with cultural significance in the form of traditional foods and customs.
Epiphany, or "Heilige Drei Könige" (Three Kings' Day), falls on January 6th in Austria. This holiday celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. People attend church services and children go caroling, collecting sweets and donations. A highlight is the "Sternsinger" tradition, where children dress as the kings and bless homes.
Saint Joseph's Day, known as "Josefitag" in Austria, is observed on March 19th. It honors Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers and craftsmen. This day is significant for tradesmen and artisans who hold special processions and ceremonies. It's a time to appreciate craftsmanship and seek blessings for one's profession.
Daylight Saving Time in Austria starts on the last Sunday in March. Clocks are set forward, extending daylight hours in the evenings. This practice helps conserve energy and allows people to enjoy longer days during spring and summer. It signifies the transition to a more outdoor-oriented lifestyle.
Palm Sunday, called "Palmsonntag" in Austria, occurs on the Sunday before Easter. It commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Austrians attend church services holding palm branches and decorative crosses. Palms are blessed, and people keep them at home as a symbol of protection and blessings.
Good Friday, or "Karfreitag," is observed on the Friday before Easter. It marks the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Austrians participate in solemn church services and processions, reflecting on the crucifixion's significance. It's a day of fasting and reflection on the sacrifice made for humanity.
Easter Sunday, known as "Ostersonntag," celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a joyous occasion with church services, Easter egg hunts, and festive meals. Eggs are dyed and exchanged as a symbol of new life. The holiday emphasizes hope and rebirth, with traditions rooted in Christian beliefs.
Easter Monday, or "Ostermontag," is a continuation of the Easter celebrations. It's a public holiday for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and picnics. People enjoy the Easter season's festive atmosphere and often take short trips to enjoy the springtime beauty of Austria's landscapes.
Labor Day, known as "Tag der Arbeit" in Austria, is celebrated on May 1st. It honors the labor movement and workers' rights. People participate in parades, rallies, and cultural events to support workers' causes. It's a day to appreciate the contributions of the workforce and advocate for fair labor practices.
Saint Florian's Day, "Florianitag," falls on May 4th and is dedicated to Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters. Firefighters across Austria pay tribute to their patron with processions and ceremonies. It's a day to recognize the bravery and sacrifices of firefighters who protect communities.
Mother's Day, "Muttertag," is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in Austria. It's a day to honor and show appreciation for mothers and mother figures. Children often give flowers, cards, and gifts to their mothers. It's a heartfelt occasion that celebrates the love and care of mothers.
Ascension Day, or "Christi Himmelfahrt," is observed 40 days after Easter, commemorating Jesus' ascension into heaven. It's a Christian holiday marked by church services and processions. Some regions also celebrate with special traditions, emphasizing faith and spiritual reflection.
Whit Sunday, or "Pfingstsonntag," is celebrated 50 days after Easter, marking the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. Church services and gatherings are held to observe this significant Christian event. It signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers.
Whit Monday, "Pfingstmontag," follows Whit Sunday, extending the Pentecost holiday. It's a public holiday for relaxation and outdoor activities. Many people enjoy nature, picnics, and family outings during this long weekend, appreciating the arrival of warmer weather and the beauty of spring.
Corpus Christi, "Fronleichnam," is celebrated on the second Thursday after Pentecost. It's a Catholic holiday dedicated to the Eucharist. Processions with the Blessed Sacrament are the highlight, showcasing richly decorated altars and traditional costumes. It's a vivid display of faith and devotion.
Father's Day, known as "Vatertag" in Austria, is celebrated to honor fathers and father figures. Families come together to express their love and appreciation for their dads. It's a day of giving thanks and showing gratitude for the guidance and support fathers provide throughout the year. It's a time for children to offer heartfelt gifts and spend quality time with their fathers. This holiday holds cultural importance as it strengthens family bonds and acknowledges the paternal role in Austrian society.
The Assumption of Mary, also known as "Mariä Himmelfahrt," is celebrated on August 15th in Austria. This holiday commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to heaven, body and soul, after her earthly life ended. It's a significant day for Catholics in Austria and is marked with religious processions, church services, and floral decorations. The cultural importance lies in the deep-rooted faith and devotion to Mary, a symbol of purity and grace.
European Heritage Days, or "Tag des offenen Denkmals," are celebrated to promote cultural heritage and history. On this day, historic buildings, museums, and cultural sites across Austria open their doors to the public, allowing people to explore and appreciate their rich heritage. It's a day of education, reflection, and preservation of Austria's cultural treasures. The event underscores the nation's commitment to preserving its cultural legacy.
Saint Rupert's Day, known as "Ruperti," is celebrated on September 24th in honor of Saint Rupert, the patron saint of Salzburg. This day marks the beginning of autumn in Austria and is celebrated with traditional fairs, parades, and markets. It's a time when communities come together to enjoy regional foods, music, and crafts. Saint Rupert's Day highlights the cultural significance of regional traditions and the role of saints in Austrian history.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism and is observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection. While it's primarily a Jewish religious holiday, Austria respects its diverse population by acknowledging and respecting this important day. Yom Kippur promotes religious tolerance and multiculturalism in Austria, emphasizing the importance of respecting different faiths and traditions.
Plebiscite Day, known as "Volksabstimmung," commemorates the 1920 plebiscite in which the people of Carinthia voted to remain part of Austria. It's a day of national pride and remembrance of Austria's history and territorial integrity. The holiday celebrates the Austrian people's democratic right to self-determination and their commitment to their nation's unity.
National Day, or "Nationalfeiertag," is celebrated on October 26th in Austria. It marks the country's declaration of permanent neutrality in 1955 and its regained independence. Austrians celebrate with parades, concerts, and flag displays, emphasizing their love for their homeland. National Day holds great cultural significance as it reinforces Austria's identity, history, and commitment to peace.
The end of Daylight Saving Time in Austria, marked by turning the clocks back by one hour, signifies the arrival of winter. While not a traditional holiday, this event has a practical purpose, ensuring that Austria aligns its timekeeping with the changing seasons. It also reflects the country's adaptability to modern timekeeping practices.
Reformation Day, celebrated on October 31st, commemorates the Protestant Reformation initiated by Martin Luther. It's a day to reflect on the impact of religious reform on Austrian society. While it's not a widely celebrated holiday, it emphasizes religious diversity and tolerance in Austria, where various faiths coexist harmoniously. It encourages dialogue and understanding among religious communities.
All Saints' Day, known as "Allerheiligen," is observed on November 1st in Austria. It's a time to honor all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, in the Christian faith. Austrians visit cemeteries to remember their deceased loved ones, offering prayers and lighting candles. The holiday reinforces the cultural value of remembering and respecting the departed, emphasizing the importance of family bonds.
All Souls' Day, or "Allerseelen," follows All Saints' Day on November 2nd. It's a day to pray for the souls of the departed, particularly those in purgatory. Families visit cemeteries to remember their loved ones, offering flowers and lighting candles. This holiday continues the theme of remembrance and highlights the cultural importance of honoring ancestors and the deceased.
Saint Martin's Day, known as "Martinitag," is celebrated on November 11th. It marks the end of the agricultural year and the beginning of winter. Austrians enjoy traditional dishes like roast goose and celebrate with lantern processions. Saint Martin's Day highlights the cultural significance of seasonal transitions and the importance of community gatherings in Austria.
Saint Leopold's Day, or "Leopolditag," is celebrated on November 15th in honor of Saint Leopold III, the patron saint of Austria. While not a public holiday, it's a day of remembrance and reflection on Austria's history and faith. Saint Leopold's Day underscores the cultural and religious ties that bind Austrians to their heritage and traditions.
The First Advent Sunday marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Austria. It's celebrated on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. Austrians light the first candle on their Advent wreaths, symbolizing the anticipation of the birth of Jesus. It's a time of joyful anticipation, with Advent markets, carol singing, and festive decorations, emphasizing the cultural importance of the Christmas tradition.
Immaculate Conception, known as "Mariä Empfängnis," is observed on December 8th. It celebrates the belief that Mary was conceived without original sin. It's a Catholic feast day marked with church services, processions, and festivities. Immaculate Conception underscores the cultural significance of Mary in Austrian Catholicism and highlights the nation's strong religious heritage.
Christmas Eve, or "Heiliger Abend," is celebrated on December 24th as the night before Christmas. Families gather for a festive meal and exchange gifts. It's a time of togetherness and tradition, with candlelight church services and the singing of Christmas carols. Christmas Eve emphasizes the cultural importance of family, love, and the birth of Jesus in Austria.
St. Stephen's Day, known as "Stefanitag," is observed on December 26th, the day after Christmas. It's a day to remember Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr. While not a public holiday, it's a time for relaxation and family activities, continuing the festive spirit of Christmas. St. Stephen's Day highlights the cultural value of extended holiday celebrations in Austria.
New Year's Eve, known as "Silvester," is celebrated on December 31st with festive parties, fireworks, and countdowns to midnight. Austrians bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with enthusiasm. It's a time of joy, hope, and renewal, emphasizing the cultural importance of embracing change and looking forward to the future in Austria.
