Vienna, Austria,18 December 2024 – The United Nations community in Vienna, in partnership with the League of Arab States, marked Arabic Language Day with a vibrant celebration at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) Rotunda. The event showcased the Arabic language’s rich cultural, linguistic, and artistic heritage, recognized as a cornerstone of knowledge, civilization, and creative expression throughout history. The ceremony began with opening remarks from H.E. Ambassador Salah Boucha, Head of Mission of the League of Arab States in Vienna, followed by addresses from Ms. Ghada Waly, Director-General of UNOV…
Read MoreMonth: December 2024
White Christmas in Austria? Here are the chances
A change in the weather shortly before Christmas will most likely result in snowfall across Austria. This means the chances of a white Christmas are extremely good—even in Vienna. Chances of a white Christmas are decreasingAustria has a good chance of a white Christmas this year. As the experts from Geosphere Austria forecast, an area of low pressure will cause snowfall—even heavier—in the west on Monday. On Christmas Eve, Tuesday, there should also be scattered snowfall in the eastern lowlands. In the first half of Friday, it will be widely…
Read MoreShopping on December 24: How long are the stores open?
Every year again: Even if you have firmly resolved to have done all the important shopping by Christmas, you can always forget something. After all, the pre-Christmas stress should not be underestimated.Whether it’s a few last presents or missing groceries for the holidays, local retailers have the following opening hours on 24 December. Generally, shops are open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Christmas Eve. This is because workers are employed; therefore, regular working hours end at 1 p.m. on 24 December.However, confectionery shops and flower stores can stay…
Read More5 million dollars for a stone tablet with the 10 commandments
A 1,500-year-old stone tablet with the Ten Commandments has been auctioned in New York for 5.04 million dollars (4.81 million euros), far exceeding expectations. When the piece was presented, the auction house Sotheby’s expected proceeds to be between 1 and 2 million dollars. According to the auctioneer, it is the only known complete stone tablet with the bids from this period. The stone was discovered in 1913 during railroad construction in IsraelThe piece of marble, which is around 60 centimetres high and weighs 50 kilograms, is engraved with the commandments…
Read MoreGastronomy and food: Prices rose by 1.9 percent in November
On average, consumer prices in Austria were 1.9% higher in November than a year ago—as expected in the flash estimate just under three weeks ago. According to Statistics Austria, the average price level rose by 0.3% compared to October 2024. Inflation was below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) 2% target for the third month. Household energy as a price damperIn October, the year-on-year price increase was slightly lower at 1.8%. Once again, lower household energy prices proved to be the strongest price dampener in November 2024, with cheaper fuel also…
Read More“Watch”out”—Scammers on the move just before Christmas
Numerous warnings are currently circulating on Facebook. It’s about a scam involving apartments. This is how the trick works.Facebook groups warn people about a new scam being used to scam people looking for an apartment. The perpetrators have other people view apartments that they themselves have booked at short notice via platforms. They then apparently demand a furniture deposit or a deposit. The internet tip is: “Please check whether the apartments have a key box.” If so, you shouldn’t pay anything.“ Please spread the word to anyone you know who…
Read MoreFrom January: More money for Austria’s pensioners
Next year, Austria’s pensioners will not only be able to look forward to more money, but the protection clause will also be extended and the aliquotation further suspended. This will bring many advantages, especially for new pensioners. In just a few days, 2024 will be over again, and the new year will also bring some changes. While many things will become more expensive, some social benefits and salaries will increase. Pensioners in Austria will also receive more money, with pensions rising by 4.6 percent. In addition, the safeguard clause will…
Read MoreFilipino Catholic Community in Vienna Begins Simbang Gabi Tradition
The Filipino Catholic community in Vienna gathered on the evening of 15 December 2024, to mark the start of Simbang Gabi. This cherished tradition signifies the beginning of the nine-day novena Masses leading up to Christmas. Unlike the Philippines, where Simbang Gabi is celebrated at dawn and known as Misa de Gallo (Rooster’s Mass), the faithful in Vienna adapt the schedule by holding the Holy Masses in the evening. This unique tradition has brought Filipino Catholics together in the Austrian capital for years, fostering faith and cultural identity. The celebration…
Read MoreAustrians use their cell phones 36 times a day
Most Austrians say they spend too much time on their cell phones. A survey of 500 smartphone users conducted by the consulting firm Deloitte revealed that they use their digital devices an average of 36 times daily. Almost a third also stated that they spend at least four hours daily on their phones.According to the survey, the device is particularly popular among 14- to 29-year-olds, who use their cell phones for more than five hours daily. “At the same time, many people are increasingly critical of consumption, with almost two-thirds…
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