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Austria also boasts many distinctive features that attract tourists to explore the land with its many mysteries
Aside from the beauty of its heritage, the magnificent Habsburg palaces in Vienna, or the splendid and magnificent Salzburg palaces, Austria's culture also holds many distinctive features that entice tourists to explore the land with its many mysteries. Let's delve into the distinctive culture and unique festivals in this beautiful country with Lolivi.
The culture in Austria holds many unique aspects that bring intriguing experiences for travelers exploring this nation's culture. With 73.6% of the population adhering to Catholicism and 4.7% to Protestantism. Approximately 12% of the population does not adhere to any religious community. Austrian culture is a broad topic, with numerous significant constructions formed throughout all periods, including many structures belonging to UNESCO's world cultural heritage. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Vienna was a leading center of musical life, not only evidenced by a multitude of renowned musicians and composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert… but also by the large number of opera houses, theaters, and concert halls that still exist to this day. In the culinary field, Austria also boasts a rich tradition, exemplified by the culture of Viennese cafes or through many distinctive dishes of the country.
1. Gender Equality Rights
The distinct cultural landscape in Austria vividly portrays gender equality rights. In nearly all fields, the average wages of women are lower than those of men (with the exception of civil servants). This is partly due to the incomplete implementation of gender equality in practice, and partly because many women work fewer hours and therefore have little chance of advancing in their careers. The majority of leadership positions are held by men. The Austrian government has implemented numerous measures to encourage women. If qualifications are equivalent, women are given priority for positions in state agencies—although the unemployment rate among men is higher. However, these measures have limited effectiveness in practice. The official unemployment figures in Austria in 2004 included two-thirds men and one-third women.
2. Outstanding Classical Music Heritage
Austria's cultural heritage is also prominently showcased in its music, where classical music still holds significant importance in Austrian culture. Austria boasts many renowned composers, including the likes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Franz Schubert, Anton Bruckner, Johann Strauss (Sr.), regarded as one of the founders of the Viennese waltz, and Johann Strauss (Jr.), the 'waltz king'.
Music enthusiasts of the 20th century are also familiar with Gustav Mahler, Arnold Schönberg, Alban Berg, and Anton von Webern. Continuing this tradition from classical music are numerous renowned conductors such as Erich Kleiber, Herbert von Karajan, Karl Böhm, Nikolaus Harnoncourt, and Franz Welser-Möst. The famous New Year's concert by the Vienna Philharmonic is broadcasted to 44 countries worldwide, reaching nearly a billion people on the morning of January 1st.
3. Austrian Literature
Among the most renowned writers of Austria are Franz Grillparzer, Joseph Roth, Johann Nestroy, Robert Musil, Karl Kraus, Friedrich Torberg, Felix Mitterer, Thomas Bernhard, and Peter Handke, as well as the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Bertha von Suttner and the Nobel Prize in Literature laureate in 2004 Elfriede Jelinek.
4. New Year's Traditions in Austria
In Austria, New Year's Eve is called Sylvesterabend – Saint Sylvester's Eve. In Austrian culture, people often mix red wine with peppermint and sugar to offer to the saint. Taverns and restaurants are adorned with vibrant green wreaths. Cheers, dancing, confetti, champagne, kisses, blessings, fireworks are indispensable elements of New Year's Eve. The traditional dish for Austrians on New Year's Day is suckling pig – a symbol of all things good. Additionally, there are dishes made from green peas to bring wealth in the coming year, and health capsules full of vigor. According to tradition, Austrians avoid eating lobsters and crabs on New Year's Day for fear of bad luck and misfortune haunting them in the new year.
5. Café Culture in Austria
In the capital city of Vienna in Austria, drinking coffee is elevated to an art form, a cultural tradition that has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
Austria is renowned for its pristine natural landscapes, shimmering lakes, and endless flower meadows. All of these have made this country an ideal destination for travelers. Vienna, the capital of Austria, is considered the architectural capital with world-famous landmarks such as Schonbrunn Palace, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and the Austrian Parliament Building. Vienna is also regarded as the music capital of Europe with the names of geniuses like Mozart, Strauss, Beethoven. However, it would be remiss to overlook enjoying a cup of coffee in Austria.
In Vienna, finding a café, ordering a cup, and you can do whatever you like. Cafés in Vienna are likened to public living rooms, where many people come to drink coffee, eat cakes, and read newspapers. At the end of the 19th and early 20th centuries, many cafés in Vienna were the gathering places for artists and scientists. Many authors wrote in these public cafés. Their literary style is referred to as the 'coffeehouse culture'. Coffee has been a part of Viennese life for as long as anyone can remember. Cafés for many generations of Viennese are like second homes, where they can socialize even in the bitter cold of winter, where they meet, chat, and lose themselves in the tiny black drops.
Coffee in Vienna is considered a specialty due to its uniqueness. A special type of coffee in Vienna is the 'Einspanner', coffee usually served in tall glass cups, with black coffee below, a layer of cream topped with a little fine white sugar, sometimes adorned with a small biscuit. Coffee served to guests is always accompanied by a glass of water and some delicious pastries. Cafés in Vienna have different styles in interior design and decorative arts, but all exude romance and elegance, from classic tablecloths to silver spoons placed neatly on the table… Some café spaces may be cramped, but Austrians still love and choose them. Because there, they can feel the atmosphere of the cafés from the 19th century. People enjoy admiring classical paintings, hundreds-year-old chandeliers, and even love the slightly worn tablecloths.
Famous cafés in Vienna include Hawelka café on Dorotheergasse Street, Griensteindl café on Michaelerplatz Street; Frauenhuber café where the musical genius Mozart created countless timeless melodies… Perhaps Vienna's café culture is shaped by the distinctive character of the people on this historically rich land. In this region where the beauty of harmony between nature, landscapes, and people abounds, a beauty of simplicity yet sophistication, tranquility yet vibrancy, reverence yet modernity, people have loved coffee forever.
6. Unique Festivals
Life Ball Dance Festival
This unique festival in Austria takes place in Vienna, an event calling for support for AIDS charities. When traveling to Austria, tourists should participate in this traditional festival, where they will have the opportunity to meet world-famous celebrities, dressed in stunning and elaborate costumes.
Christmas Festival
When traveling to Austria, tourists will be immersed in the Christmas festival with the enchanting and magical colors of colorful decorative lights. In addition, tourists visiting tourist destinations in Austria during the festival season will also have the chance to witness the dazzling white snowflakes and enjoy the festive atmosphere everywhere.
Krampus Night Festival
This is a festival in Austria held in the capital Vienna, considered the counterpart to Santa Claus. Men dress up as ugly, terrifying Krampus demons, with goat-like heads, long hair, and whips, roaming the town to chase and scare people. Krampus Night is held on December 5th every year, where many people dress up as Krampus demons and wander the streets.
Posted by: Ninh Viet Dung
Keywords: Exploring the unique culture and festivals in Austria
