Lexi Webster
Kirtag is a traditional Austrian festival that combines religious and secular celebrations. The term Kirtag refers to the connection with the church and the mass held there. The festival is held annually in several Austrian towns and villages, including Neustift am Walde, a suburb of Vienna, and Aussee in the Salzkammergut region. It is characterised by traditional folk music, dancing, drinking, eating, and socialising. The Neustift Kirtag, for example, is held in memory of an occasion when local wine growers appealed to Empress Maria Theresa for tax relief following a poor harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 days |
| Date | Varies, but always during the summer |
| Location | Varies, but often in Vienna or the Salzkammergut Region |
| Activities | Drinking, eating, folk dancing, clubbing, music, shopping at market stalls |
| Attire | Traditional Austrian clothing, such as Dirndl dresses and Lederhosen |
| Food | Local wine, Lebkuchen, Schaumrollen, Zuckerwatte, Langos, cheese, Spritzer |
| Attendance | 100,000 visitors |
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What You'll Learn
The Neustift Kirtag
According to legend, in the mid-1700s, local wine growers sent a delegation to the empress to request a reduction in taxes following a poor harvest. The empress granted their request on the condition that Neustift hold an annual Kirtag, a type of parish fair. Today, the Neustift Kirtag attracts thousands of visitors who come to enjoy the food, drink, and entertainment on offer.
The festival typically takes place over four days in August, from Friday to Monday or Thursday to Sunday. During the festival, a 650-metre stretch of suburban road is closed to traffic and transformed into a vibrant market and gastronomic mile. Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of food, snacks, and drinks, including traditional Austrian fare such as sausages, Langos, hot dogs, Lebkuchen, chocolate-covered fruit, and Schnapps. There are also occasional small funfair rides and booths, and live music playing in the taverns.
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Kirtag's connection to the church
Kirtags, or church fairs, are traditional Austrian festivals that have a strong connection to the country's religious heritage and are usually held on the grounds of a church or a chapel. These events have a long history, dating back to the Middle Ages, and they serve as an important cultural and social gathering for the local community. The name 'Kirtag' itself originates from the Old German word 'kirichtag', which translates to 'church day'. This name reflects the central role that the church plays in these festivals.
The connection between Kirtags and the church is deep-rooted and multifaceted. Firstly, these fairs were traditionally held on the feast day of the local church's patron saint, adding a layer of religious significance to the festivities. This meant that the Kirtag was not just a secular celebration but also an occasion to honor the saint and seek their blessings. For example, the Kirtag in Vienna's St. Stephen's Cathedral is held on the feast day of Saint Stephen, the first Christian martyr.
The Kirtag would usually begin with a religious service or mass, often conducted by the local priest. This mass would be attended by the entire community, and it served as a way to bring everyone together in a spiritual setting before the start of the festivities. It was also common for the priest to give a special blessing to the Kirtag, emphasizing the event's connection to the church and seeking divine favor for the community.
In addition to the religious ceremonies, Kirtags often featured various activities and attractions that were held on church grounds or in close proximity. These could include musical performances, folk dancing, and traditional games. One of the most distinctive features of a Kirtag is the presence of a large maypole, known as a 'Maibaum', which is decorated with colorful ribbons and emblems. This maypole is often blessed by the priest during the religious service, further emphasizing the connection between the festival and the church.
The church also played a significant role in the organization and planning of Kirtags. In many cases, the priest or the church council would be involved in deciding the date and the program of the festival. This ensured that the Kirtag aligned with the religious calendar and did not conflict with any important church events. Moreover, the church often benefited financially from Kirtags, as a portion of the proceeds would be donated to the church or used for charitable purposes.
Overall, the connection between Kirtags and the church in Austria runs deep, reflecting the country's strong religious heritage and the important role that the church plays in community life. While Kirtags also incorporate secular elements and serve as a celebration of Austrian culture and traditions, their association with the church remains a fundamental aspect of these beloved festivals.
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Traditional food and drink
Kirtag, or Kirchtag/Kirchmess, is a festival celebrated in Austria. It is a four-day event filled with dancing, drinking, and eating. The word Kirtag is derived from "Kirchtag" or "church's day" and is celebrated on the day the local or town church was consecrated or founded.
Austria is known for its hearty and indulgent dishes, with meat, root vegetables, cheese, and egg noodles as common ingredients. The country's national dish is considered to be Tafelspitz, a tender cut of beef boiled in a spiced vegetable broth and served with roasted potatoes, apples, horseradish, and chive sauce. This was even a top pick of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Another famous Austrian dish is the Wiener Schnitzel, a flattened, breaded, and fried veal cutlet, which is often served with potato salad. Gulasch, a paprika-spiced meat stew with origins in Hungary, is also a popular dish.
For dessert, Apfelstrudel, a flaky pastry with apples and raisins, or Kaiserschmarrn, a shredded fluffy pancake served with a fruit compote, are classic choices. Austrians are also known for their love of sweets, and Vanillekipferl, crescent-shaped cookies made with a buttery dough of flour, ground almonds or hazelnuts, and vanilla, are a beloved part of Austrian holiday baking traditions.
In the western Austrian regions of Voralberg and Tyrol, Käsespätzle, a dish similar to mac n' cheese, is a popular choice. It is made with homemade pasta and cooked with melted mountain cheeses, topped with crispy fried onions.
Austria also has a variety of street food options, including sausage stands (würstelstand) offering dozens of varieties such as frankfurter, bratwurst, and käsekrainer. Late-night sausage experiences, typically served with bread and mustard, are a famed Viennese tradition.
For drinks, Almdudler, a soft drink with flavours of alpine herbs, is considered the national beverage of Austria. The country also produces a small quantity of high-quality wine, with Riesling and Grüner Veltliner being renowned dry white wines. Blaufränkisch is a popular red wine with red fruit and peppery spice aromas. Austrian Spritzers, or Spritzen, are also a popular choice, especially during the warmer months. They are made by mixing white wine with sparkling water to create a bubbly, low-alcohol drink.
Viennese Schnapps, a strong fruit brandy enjoyed as a drink of celebration and a post-meal digestif, is another important part of Austria's culinary tradition. It is made from various fruits such as apricots, pears, plums, or apples and distilled to create a potent, flavourful spirit.
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Traditional dress
Traditional Austrian clothing, known as "Tracht", reflects the nation's rich cultural heritage and diverse history. The traditional dress for women is the "Dirndl", which consists of a close-fitting bodice with a low neckline, a blouse worn under the bodice, a wide high-waisted skirt, and an apron. The Dirndl is regarded as a folk costume and is considered the traditional dress for women and girls in German-speaking parts of the Alps. The usual masculine Tracht counterpart of the Dirndl is Lederhosen, leather breeches adorned with intricate details.
The Dirndl originated in the Alpine regions during the 18th and 19th centuries and was originally worn by rural women. Over time, it evolved into a fashion statement, donned during festive occasions like weddings and folk festivals. The colours and intricate designs of the Dirndl often signify the wearer's regional and cultural affiliations, and the positioning of the apron knot can convey subtle messages about marital status (a knot on the left means the wearer is single).
The Dirndl is considered a symbol of national identity in Austria and is worn by many Austrian women as an alternative to other fashions. It is particularly popular in certain regions, such as the Tyrol, the Salzkammergut, and the Wachau region of Lower Austria. In these regions, the Dirndl is worn as a work uniform in tourist settings and for special occasions. The Ausseer Kirtag, a popular summer fair held in rural Altaussee in September, is a great opportunity to see the most beautiful Dirndl dresses and Lederhosen of the Salzkammergut region.
The Dirndl can be purchased in specialty shops in bigger cities in Austria, with prices ranging from 300-400 dollars for a good quality dress to a thousand euros or more for a more expensive one. While it is not common to wear Dirndl in everyday life, wearing them for certain festivities has become quite popular in recent years.
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History of Kirtag
Kirtag, also known as Kirchtag or Kirchmess, is a traditional festival held annually in Austria. The word Kirtag is derived from 'Kirchtag' or 'church's day', indicating its connection with the church and the mass held there. The festival is celebrated on the Weihetag (Kirchweihmarkt) or the day of the church's patron saint, combining the sacred and the secular.
The history of Kirtag can be traced back to the 18th century, with records of the "Kirtag auf der Mauer" dating back to 1709. The Neustifter Kirtag, held in a suburb of Vienna, is believed to have originated during the reign of Empress Maria Theresa in the mid-1700s. According to legend, local wine growers in Neustift am Walde petitioned the Empress for tax relief after a poor harvest. Maria Theresa granted their request on the condition that Neustift hold an annual Kirtag, a type of parish fair. This tradition has persisted, with the festival now taking place over a long weekend in August, attracting thousands of visitors.
In recent times, Kirtag has evolved to include modern attractions, but it still retains many of its traditional elements. The festival typically features a Standelmarkt, a market with goods for daily use and sweets such as decorated Lebkuchen hearts, Schaumrollen, and Zuckerwatte. The Neustifter Kirtag, for example, has a long line of market booths and food and drink stalls, including wine taverns serving local wines and updated Austrian cuisine. Live music, folk dances, and traditional costumes, such as Dirndl dresses and Lederhosen, are also integral parts of the festival.
Kirtag is known for its festive atmosphere, with an abundance of food, drinks, music, and dancing. It is a time for the community to come together and socialise. In the past, Kirtag served as a Brautschau, where young bachelors would use the lively atmosphere to find a bride. While this tradition has faded, Kirtag remains a popular event, with people travelling from far and wide to attend the celebrations.
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Frequently asked questions
Kirtag is a traditional Austrian festival that lasts 4 days. It involves drinking, eating, music, and dancing. The Neustift Kirtag in Vienna is one of the most popular Kirtags in Austria.
The word Kirtag is derived from Kirchtag or church's day. It is related to the Weihetag or the day of the church's patron saint. The Neustift Kirtag, for example, dates back to the mid-1700s when local wine growers asked the Empress Maria Theresa to reduce their taxes after a bad harvest.
Kirtag is a time for celebration, with people wearing traditional Austrian clothing, eating and drinking, and enjoying music and dancing. There are also market stalls and a parade.
Kirtag happens at different times depending on the region. The Neustift Kirtag, for example, takes place in August, while the Ausseer Kirtag is held in September.
