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HISTORY
The national holiday in Austria has existed in its current form since 1965, and is celebrated every year on October 26. Previously, from 1919 to 1933, there was a national holiday on November 12 to commemorate the founding of the first Austrian Republic. After that, from 1934 to 1945, the date changed to May 1 on the proclamation date of the constitution of the corporative state.
After World War II, Austria was initially under occupation law until 1955. During this time there was no national holiday. Austria finally regained full sovereignty in July 1955 through the Austrian State Treaty. However, this was associated with a 90-day deadline for the withdrawal of the Allied occupation forces. This deadline ended on October 25, 1955, and in order to emphasize Austria’s neutrality rather than the withdrawal of troops, the 1956 date was moved to October 26 because that was the date on which the neutrality resolution of the Federal Constitutional Law came into force. On this day, the Austrian flag was to be hoisted every year, giving rise to the term “Flag Day”.
In 1965, the “Day of the Flag” was transformed into the National Holiday of Austria on October 26. Two more years later, this holiday was put on a par with all other holidays in Austria. Since then, October 26 has been a non-working day throughout Austria and holiday rest applies everywhere.
BREAKTHROUGH
The regaining of independence is celebrated by hoisting flags on kindergartens, schools, public buildings and homes.
In addition, various celebrations now take place every year:
For athletes, there are numerous fitness events across the country, such as walking races and cycling tours.
Families get their money’s worth at the Vienna Safety Festival on Rathausplatz, where they can learn about the police, fire department and rescue services.
For culture lovers, the Wien Museum opens its doors free of charge on Austria’s National Day. In addition, there are discounted tickets for various federal museums.
In addition, the state opens its premises that are otherwise not open to the public, such as the official residence of the Federal President in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna or the Parliament Hall.
The military has also held a parade on Vienna’s Ringstrasse every ten years since 1995 and celebrates this day with swearing-in ceremonies.
In the provincial capitals and at Vienna’s Heldenplatz, there is the performance show, where the Austrian Armed Forces display their tanks, weapons, helicopters and much more.
In addition, Austria’s national parks have declared October 26 “National Park Hiking Day” and offer free guided tours.
TYPICAL DISHES
On the national holiday in Austria, “typical Austrian dishes” like the good old Wiener Schnitzel (often in Austrian form) or even a Tafelspitz (boiled beef) or Schweinsbraten (roast pork) like to appear on the plate. For dessert lovers, there are Kaiserschmarrn and apple strudel to choose from.
Also in 2021 there will be no army performance show at Vienna’s Heldenplatz, but instead there will be a virtual one. Likewise, there will be no tours of Parliament or the ministries.
The traditional performance show of the Austrian Armed Forces will not take place at Heldenplatz with an invitation to the public, but as a hybrid event with LIVE coverage by ORF and private broadcasters.
LEGAL REGULATION
October 26 (National Holiday) is a public holiday as defined by federal law and thus a day off work for all of Austria.
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