Colors of Salzburg - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Salzburg conquers the hearts of travelers by its unusual national celebrations. January is the time for the holiday known as "Perchten Procession" - a solemn procession. Absolutely everyone can participate in it. All you need to do is to find a special holiday suit, the main attribute of which is an unusual headdress. High cylinder (the height of which can reach two meters), animal skins and colorful masks – during the days of celebration you can see thousands of people wearing such unusual clothes and walking cheerfully on the main streets of the city.

Local people are distinguished by friendly and responsive character. They are always ready to talk to visitors and help them with advices. Only older generation of Salzburg inhabitants can be quite apprehensive to tourists, but they will certainly feel great sympathy towards tourists after they hear a couple of sentences in their native language. People here have great respect for the traditions of the past, so there’s no wonder why crafts and antique festivals are still very popular here.

St. Rupert's Fair is an interesting celebration. During the festival you can also see numerous local residents and tourists wearing beautiful old costumes. Each citizen in the city certainly has a special holiday outfit. Women here wear beautiful dresses and hats that were fashionable several centuries ago, and men sew tail coats and put on cylinders. Those people, who have not had time to get such festive apparel, are welcome to visit special workshops, where they can easily order most unique costumes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

As a rule, all main celebrations are held on central squares of the city. During five days of craftsmen sell their goods here, chefs treat guests with delicious local food, and children are welcome to have fun on various rides and attractions. For many years Mozart remains one of the main symbols of the city. He is often the main theme of numerous museums and galleries. Theaters organize memorable evenings, and in restaurants you can hear the immortal works of this famous person. While walking around the city, you can see numerous monuments dedicated to the great composer. Actually, some memorable signs can be found virtually on every street.

To the whole world, Salzburg is known primarily as the capital of classical music - works by eminent composers are heard in concert halls and music venues throughout the year during numerous festivals. The longest and most prestigious is the Summer Salzburg Festival, which lasts five weeks from July until August. January and February in Salzburg are held under the sign of Mozart, who was born in this city: in the framework of Mozartwoche in the Mozarteums Great Hall, orchestras reproduce not only classical masterpieces of the 18th and 19th centuries but also the works of the twentieth century. In the middle of autumn, you will enjoy the Days of Culture: within two weeks, spectators have the opportunity to see the best opera, ballet and concert productions.

However, travelers, buying summer or autumn tours to Austria, can count not only on the classics. At the beginning of summer, the Summer Scene festival takes place, which is dedicated to avant-garde art. In October, the Jazz & The City Festival gathers performers from all over the world. If you prefer more "acid" sounds of electronic music, you will be certainly satisfied with the big Electric Love Festival, held in the open air in the vicinity of the Salzburgring racetrack. The program includes the performances of famous DJs, including Armin van Buren, Nicky Romero, and Martin Harrick. Well, if you like incendiary dances, then the Easter Dance Days, organized by the Tanzimpulse Salzburg in the spring - is what you need. Fitness and physical education, folklore dances and modern trends, bright theatrical shows - a diverse and rich program of the festival unite people of all ages and classes.

According to the tradition, every city turns into magical place from fairy tail during Christmas and New Year holidays, and Salzburg is not an exception. Especially, when during these holidays the Christmas market takes place. In the heart of the city, two magnificent historical squares - the Cathedral Square and the Central Square of the Old Town, surrounded by architectural masterpieces in the style of the new Baroque, will be decorated magnificently for 36 days. The market of Salzburger Christkindlmarkt is filled with the aroma of baked apples, roasted almonds, and punch. There is a wide selection of refined and traditional delicacies: smoked salmon and potatoes with sauce, and sweet liqueurs. The atmosphere will transfer you to the best German stories and fairytales. IOn the fair you can purchase traditional national goods as, gold jewelry, crystal souvenirs, warm clothes made from natural sheepskin, unique educational toys, and wooden Christmas decorations. Salzburg crafts are highly valued all over the world.