Customs & Traditions in Autumn
Medical brattlemontag
Liachtbratlmontag (Light Roast Monday) is a custom known only in the Salzkammergut region, where it has been celebrated for over 100 years. Originally, farmers invited their farmhands to a roast dinner on the first Monday after Michaelmas (September 29th). Today, employers invite their staff to the meal. In Bad Ischl, there is a parade on this day for all citizens celebrating a milestone birthday, 50 and above.
Golden Saturday nights in Adlwang in October
During the first three weekends of October, Adlwang hosts its renowned church fairs, known far beyond the town's borders. Furthermore, traditional pilgrimages have been held here since 1683. These pilgrimages still attract numerous pilgrims who not only attend Mass and the fair, but also bathe in the healing waters of the local spring.
Leonhardiritte am 6. November
In Neukirchen an der Vöckla, St. Leonhard bei Pucking, Desselbrunn, Pettenbach and Weißenbach im Attergau, the traditional Leonhardi rides take place on November 6th. This day is dedicated to the patron saint of pack animals, and therefore church attendance, pilgrimages and processions on horseback are observed.
Kathrein dance on November 25th.
This date is traditionally the last time for exuberant dancing and celebrations before Advent begins. After the tradition of the Kathrein dance had fallen into relative obscurity for some time, it has now regained prominence thanks to the efforts of farmers' associations and rural youth groups.
Advent
The Advent season begins with the blessing of the Advent wreath, which takes place on the last Saturday before December 1st. Other Advent traditions observed in the Salzkammergut region include the Advent calendar, Rorate singing, the search for lodging, Advent brass band music, visits from Krampus and St. Nicholas, and Advent and Christmas markets. In addition, there are numerous special customs typical of the region. Of particular note are the Christkindlpostamt (Christ Child Post Office) in Steyr, the tradition of Christmas tree diving in Gmunden, the nativity plays in Bad Ischl, and the Peace Light, a more recent custom that has quickly spread far beyond the region's borders.
The first Sunday of Advent is also known as Bratwurst Sunday. On this day, it is customary to eat bratwurst with family. The origin of this tradition is no longer known.
