Holidays in Liechtenstein

Residents of Liechtenstein are very fond of celebrations. In this small country, in addition to the generally accepted (New Year, Easter, etc.), celebrate "their" holidays, which are associated with ancient traditions - the coming of a new season, religion or mythology.

The main national holiday - Assumption Day - is celebrated in Liechtenstein on August 15. Before the prince's castle and in the squares of cities, all residents, diplomats and tourists gather. This holiday opens with the performance of the monarch and the president. After their speech, the national anthem sounds, and the church choir also performs. On this day, free sweets are distributed to everyone, and at the end of the celebration a big salute is allowed.

Official Holidays

The people of Liechtenstein are very religious people. In the calendar of holidays of this state there are such church holidays:

1. St. Bertolt's Day - January 2.
2. Sretenie - on the 2nd of February.
3. The festival of St. Joseph - March 19.
4. St. Stephen's Day - December 26.

The law provides that no one works on these holidays of Liechtenstein. In the cities on the main streets are arranged magnificent festivities, dances, sing songs. In the churches, starting at six in the morning, prayer mass is held, in which absolutely everything can participate. On such holidays it is customary to ask forgiveness from relatives for insults and as a sign of remorse make sweet gifts.

National holidays of Liechtenstein

Consider some of the most interesting folk festivals of the Principality of Liechtenstein:

1. Among the many people's holidays in Liechtenstein, Funken und Kühslizontag became one of the favorite inhabitants - the farewell to the winter. It is celebrated on the first Sunday of fasting before Easter. With the onset of darkness on the street, its inhabitants gather and set fire to the torches. With these torches under the rolling songs the procession walks the streets. It is believed that such a rite drives out dark forces. After the "consecration" of the streets, people gather to rise and light a pyre in the form of a pyramid. At the top of the pyramid is a straw stuffed witch of dark forces. When the flame of the fire burns out, all the participants of the celebration gather at the "sweet table". The main treat on this day are Kyuali - rectangular sweets.
2. Another favorite holiday in Liechtenstein was Fasnacht . This carnival, which is held on Thursday before the start of the post. Its participants dress in pagan costumes and masks and dance to the music of Gugger. In the main squares of the towns, a costume parade is arranged.
3. Alpabfart became an important holiday for the inhabitants of Liechtenstein. Later in the autumn, when the earth becomes covered with hoar frost, flocks return from the mountain meadows. This day is considered the closure of the summer season for pastures. In the evening, when it gets dark, the villagers go out to meet the shepherds and their flock. Bulls and cows on this day hang wooden hanging hearts on horns, and on the neck bells. By the way, such "decorations" can be bought in souvenir shops, because these are one of the most popular souvenirs from Liechtenstein .