Nationalfeiertag

National Day

(Really, this is the name of the holiday)

On October 26, we celebrated Nationalfeiertag (National Day); this holiday commemorates the 1955 treaty which ended the Soviet Union’s occupation after World War II, recognized Austria's independence, and forbade unification with Germany. A constitutional law of that same year declared Austria’s perpetual neutrality.


Originally we had an invitation for coffee at the home of an 

Austrian friend for this 

day, but she phoned to insist we reschedule. She declared it was imperative for us to join the masses at the Hofburg’s Heldenplatz (Heroes’ Square) to enjoy all the “unique offerings” of National Day.  How right she was.

The National Day celebration on Heldenplatz seemed a sampler-platter of our American holidays.  We listened to several speeches about Austria’s independence and the importance of treasuring the country’s freedom (a la U.S. Independence Day); additionally we heard speeches about the stalwart service of Austria’s veterans and the valor of the current military, and speeches about the countless men and women who gave their lives for the country (a la U.S. Veteran’s and Memorial Days). 

The backdrop of these continuous and lofty speeches (all

 projected on 20’ x 30’ jumbotron screens) was a carnival of beer, würst, chocolate, and other delicious fair-food, interspersed with every piece of army (Bundesheer) equipment you can imagine.  We marveled at tanks, helicopters, jets, horses (they help in the mountains, of course), along with displays of backpacks, weapons, tents, and even historical uniforms.  The thousands at the celebration could scramble into all of the equipment (after waiting in long lines), scale climbing walls, and fly down a 1200-foot zip-line that spanned the whole square (this was an all-day wait).

Of course it wouldn’t be a party without music.  We weren’t at all surprised to hear non-stop traditional marches played by the exceptionally precise army band in the Volksgarten adjacent to the Hofburg.  However, the “big band” and “country band” tents were not expected.  When the announcer said “Meine sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, wir spielen jetzt die Lieblingslied, IN THE MOOD von GLENN MILLER” we laughed out loud! This crowd favorite was followed by tunes such as Tequila, Jonny B. Goode, Sunny, and I Feel Good . . . all sung in excellent, albeit German-accented English.  And in the “country band” tent we were treated to spirited renditions of Sweet Home Alabama, Margaritaville and Ghost Riders in the Sky – whilst revelers sang along and swung honest-to-goodness real glass beer mugs -- no plastic, vielen dank!

In addition to the National Day outdoor events, Wien’s myriad of museums offered extended hours and free admission for kids, and free or reduced admission for adults. So after the sun went down, while the rest of Vienna partied on with American tunes and Austrian beer and food, the Jensens retreated to the fascinating Museum of Architecture and then to the National Library’s breathtaking Grand Hall. 

Finally, worn out from a full day of over-stimulation, we made our way home – through the masses of reveling Austrians who were still clearly in the party mood for the long haul.