AUSTRIAN EASTER TRADITIONS IN VILLACH

Springtime is one of the most beautiful times of year in Villach. As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, the countryside bursts into color with blooming flowers and budding leaves. The arrival of spring also means that Easter is right around the corner. In the city of Villach, there are lots of Austrian traditions as well as uniquely Carinthian festivities to celebrate Easter.

As a historically Catholic country, Easter is an important holiday in Austria. For many Austrians, the preparations for Easter begin on Ash Wednesday, with 40 days of fasting before the holiday. So when is Easter? Easter takes place on the first full moon after the first day of spring, so the date changes each year. Check your calendars for this year’s date.

HOLY WEEK - KARWOCHE

Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week (“Karwoche”) which is the week before Easter Sunday. It is traditional for people to take bouquets of pussy willow (“Palmkätzchen”) with them to church service to be blessed. The blessed bouquets are then placed around the home to protect the family or placed in the fields to yield good crops.

VILLACH EASTER MARKET

During the week before Easter, the Villach city center hosts a colorful Easter Market. At the market, there are lots of Easter gift items as well as delicious foods from Carinthia. The Easter Market is a great way to spend the afternoon with children. There is a petting zoo and a carousel as well as pony rides and a spring themed railway in front of the Rathaus. The market is open daily from 10 am to 7 pm and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter).

EASTER BONFIRES

In some parts of Austria, Easter bonfires are lit on the evening before Easter. This tradition dates back to pagan times when people would gather around the fire to recognize the arrival of spring. These days, the availability of Easter bonfires is dependent on the approval of the fire brigade. The Landskron, Pogöriach, and the Maria Gail areas in Villach have held bonfires in the past, so be on the lookout for announcements if you would like to join.

HAPPY EASTER! FROHE OSTERN!