Last updated on April 8th, 2020 at 06:49 am
The Austrian ‘Nationalfeiertag’, as the National Day is called in German, is celebrated each year on October 26.
Why then? It is the anniversary of the Austria’s Declaration of Neutrality in 1955 which was part of the political process which led to the reestablishment of the country’s independence after the post-war occupation period. It marked the final withdrawal of foreign troops from Austria.
On the National Day, the President of Austria lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Vienna and gives a televised ‘State of the Nation’ speech.
The Presidential Chancellory opens its doors and Austrian citizens have the chance to meet the President for two hours, followed by an afternoon ‘Austria Festival’ in the Chancellory with food and music.
A number of Federal Ministries take part in celebrations at the Heldenplatz in Vienna and Austrian embassies around the world hold events for their expatriate citizens.
Many federally-run museums are also make no charge or have reduced entry on Austria’s National Day.
