Austria's National Day: An Annual Celebration

Austria's National Day, also known as Nationalfeiertag, is celebrated annually on 26 October. The day is marked by a series of events in Vienna, including wreath-laying ceremonies, a military parade, and a speech by the Federal President. Austrians also commemorate the country's declaration of permanent neutrality after World War II and its regained status as an independent and sovereign nation. The day is a public holiday, with many cultural performances, museums offering free entry, and residents dressing in the national colours of red and white.

The date: 26 October

Austria's National Day falls on 26 October each year. The country's National Day has been celebrated on this date since 1965, thirty years after the end of World War II.

On 26 October 1955, the Austrian government signed its Declaration of Perpetual Neutrality. This was a direct result of the joint occupation of Austria by the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, who divided the country into four zones following the end of the war in 1945. The Austrian State Treaty was signed on 15 May 1955 and came into force on 27 July 1955, ending the occupation. The last foreign troops left Austria on 25 October 1955, the day before the country declared its neutrality.

Austria's National Day is a public holiday, and offices, banks, schools, and businesses are closed. The day is celebrated with a series of events in Vienna, including wreath-laying ceremonies, a speech by the Federal President, and a meeting of the Council of Ministers. Citizens can visit federal museums for free or at a discounted rate, and there are also open houses at the Office of the Federal President, the Federal Chancellery, and other public institutions.

Across the country, the Austrian flag is omnipresent, and residents dress in the national colours of red and white. Local authorities put on cultural performances and military displays, and there are also "fitness marches" to promote a healthy lifestyle.

The history: post-WWII political developments

Austria's National Day, celebrated on 26 October, is a result of the country's political developments following World War II. After the war, Austria was divided into four zones and occupied by the four Allied forces: the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. The capital, Vienna, was also divided, much like Berlin. The Allied Control Council jointly administered the historic central district of Vienna and had veto power over the Austrian government's actions.

The Austrian parliament was democratically elected, but every legislative regulation or political action initially required the consent of the Allied Control Council. Negotiations to end the occupation resulted in the Austrian State Treaty, signed on 15 May 1955, and entered into force on 27 July 1955. On 26 October 1955, the Austrian Parliament passed a constitutional law on permanent neutrality, which has been celebrated as Austria's National Day since 1965.

The Soviet Union's occupation policies in Austria were shaped by the Moscow Declaration of 1943, which proclaimed that Austria was Germany's first victim but would also have to pay the price for its participation in Nazi aggression. While Austria avoided some of the harshest consequences faced by Germany, it still endured significant occupation costs and political violence during this period.

The end of World War II in Austria was not a liberation for most Austrians, who experienced looting, sexual assaults, and hunger. The Soviet troops' conduct and the humiliation of defeat led to discrimination against Austrians who had relationships with Soviet soldiers, often referred to as "Russian sweethearts."

The parliamentary election in November 1945, administered by the four occupying powers, resulted in a victory for the coalition of Social Democrats and Christian Democrats, the traditional center-left and center-right Austrian parties. The Soviets and Western Allies pulled out of the country in 1955, following Austria's promise to remain neutral during the Cold War.

The flag: red and white

Austria's National Day is celebrated on 26 October every year. The country is a sea of red and white, with residents adorning themselves in the colours, and the national flag flying high. The Austrian flag is a triband, with three equal horizontal bands of red, white and red.

The flag is one of the oldest national symbols still in use by a modern country, with its first recorded use in 1230. It is said to originate from the arms of the Babenberg dynasty, and is associated with the country, rather than a particular monarch or family. The red-white-red triband was also used as the naval ensign of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in the 18th century, and the Duchy of Modena and Reggio in the 19th century.

The flag's design is said to have come about following the Siege of Acre. Duke Leopold V of Austria's white surcoat was drenched in blood after a battle. When he removed his belt, the cloth beneath remained unstained, revealing the red-white-red combination. The triband is first documented in a seal on a deed issued on 30 November 1230.

The Austrian flag is almost identical to several other flags, including those of Bouillon and Leuven in Belgium, Vianden in Luxembourg, and the flag of Savona in Italy.

The people: Austrians dress up and get outdoors

Austrians celebrate their National Day on 26 October every year, and it's a chance for the people to dress up and get outdoors. The country is a sea of red and white, with Austrian flags everywhere and residents dressed in the colours. Face paint is also popular.

Many Austrians also choose to wear traditional dress, or "tracht", which has become increasingly popular in recent years. Tracht includes "dirndls" for women, which consist of a bodice, blouse, skirt, and apron, and men's attire includes high-collared jackets and lederhosen leather shorts.

The day is also known as National Park Hiking Day, and many Austrians head to the hills and national parks to soak up the scenery. There are over 50,000 kilometres of mountain trails to choose from. For those who stay in the cities, towns, and villages, there are local events, musical performances, and cultural and military displays.

The events: parades, speeches, and more

Austria's National Day is celebrated with a series of events across the country. In Vienna, the day begins with the Federal President and the Federal Minister for Defence attending a Mass on Heldenplatz. This is followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Crypt of the outer Burgtor, where the Federal President honours the victims of resistance. The Council of Ministers then holds a special meeting, and the new recruits of the Austrian Armed Forces are sworn in. The celebrations also include a concert for Austria at the Vienna Staatsoper, and open houses at the Office of the Federal President, the Federal Chancellery, ministries, and other public institutions.

The highlight of the day is the military parade that takes place near the Hofburg, with vehicles, uniformed soldiers, and a marching band. This is a popular event for Austrians and expats alike, as it showcases the country's military might and cultural performances. The President's annual address to the nation is also a key moment, as it reflects on the country's progress and future prospects.

Across Austria, the national flag is omnipresent, with residents dressing in red and white, and face paint adding to the festive atmosphere. Local authorities organise cultural performances and military displays, while also opening up state buildings to the public. Musical performances in town squares and free entry to federal museums further enhance the celebratory mood.

For those seeking a more active celebration, the "fitness marches" or "marches for fitness" are a popular choice, with around 100,000 people participating each year. These hikes promote a healthy lifestyle while also offering a chance to explore Austria's beautiful landscapes.

Austrian embassies around the world also join in the festivities, hosting receptions and other events to honour the nation's history and provide a taste of home for Austrian citizens abroad.

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