What is the Eurovision Song Contest? – everything you need to know
Extravagant performances, plenty of drama and a ridiculous amount of sequins: Welcome to Europe’s most iconic, annual singing competition. Since the 1950s, the best acts from across the Eurovision member states have gone head-to-head to vie for the votes of both a professional jury and the general public, with performances ranging from operatic ballads to […]
Austrian Films: Satire, social commentary and dark humour
Austrian films have a talent for holding up a mirror to the quirks of the national psyche. In doing so, they remain unflinching yet always retain a touch of irony. While Hollywood often relies on explosive action and over-the-top drama, Austrian cinema instead focuses on dark humour, sharp observation, and satire. As a result, these […]
Austrian TV shows: Where dark humour meets social satire and wit
Austrian TV series have little interest in glossy, picture-perfect worlds. Instead, they are firmly rooted in real life: from council estates and government offices to sleepy provincial backwaters and Vienna’s poshest districts. Many productions put working-class families or idle civil servants centre stage, pushing their everyday conflicts, petty grievances and power plays to grotesque extremes. […]
How does Austria celebrate Easter?
From egg hunts for the little ones to the festive Easter feast and a wealth of regional customs found in every corner of the country – Austria boasts truly unique traditions that exist nowhere else in the world. Here’s an overview of the most important ones, including regional highlights from East to West. Blessing of […]
Fasching in Austria: A guide to the Fifth Season
Confetti, costumes, confectioneries: Every February, Austria lets loose with Fasching – the country’s take on carnival – and it’s quite the spectacle. Often referred to as the “fifth season“, it’s a colourful escape from the winter blues, where people of all ages put on masks and costumes to celebrate life to its fullest. But where […]
Customs & Traditions in Carinthia: A cultural journey through Austria’s South
Tradition and customs play an important part in Austria’s Southernmost region. Fiercely proud of its rich cultural heritage, you’ll find a plethora of events and festivities throughout the year to celebrate everything the locals love – from culture to cuisine and beyond. While many important traditions – like Perchten runs in December or the stealing […]
From Haydn to Mozart: Introducing Austria’s most famous classical composers
When thinking about Austria and classical music, the Viennes Waltz and Mozart will most likely be the first things that come to mind. But Austria’s classical music scene has a lot more to offer. From the classical and Romantic periods all the way to the highly experimental sounds of the revolutionary Twelve-tone technique and Modernism: […]
Your ultimate guide to Vienna’s Ball Season
Opulent robes, artfully decorated ballrooms and the joyous sounds of the waltz echoing through the rooms: No other event compares to the glitz, glamour and elegance of Vienna’s many balls. With around 450 taking place throughout the season, it’s no surprise Austria’s capital is commonly referred to as the world capital of the Waltz. Read […]
Perchten and Krampus: Everything You Need to Know About Austria’s Beautifully Eerie Winter Tradition
On cold and dark winter nights, the sound of heavy drums and shrill bells cascades through the narrow streets. Fearsome, shaggy creatures emerge from the mist, horns glinting in the fire, the air filled with the sound of clattering chains while children are pressed tightly against their parents. It’s that time of the year when […]
The ins and outs of the Austrian school system: What you need to know
Primary school, secondary modern school, grammar school, commercial academy, technical college and more: anyone familiarising themselves with the Austrian school system will encounter a multitude of educational pathways. Here, you’ll find an overview over what types of schools there are, how long it takes until graduation, and what kind of leaving certificates you get depending […]