Categories: Festivals & Events

Google Doodle celebrates Austria National Day 2021

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Google Doodle celebrates Austria National Day (Nationalfeiertag) to celebrate the anniversary of the 1955 Declaration of Neutrality on October 26, 2021. It is an annual national holiday on 26 October that celebrates the return of Austria to independence after World War II.

This national holiday (October 26) denotes the finish of the country’s post-WWII occupation and the Declaration of Neutrality. It’s the day in history when the last soldiers left Austria after the associated occupation in 1955, and the nation was at last on the way to its independence.

Austrian National Day (otherwise called Austria Independence Day) is celebrated every year on the 26th of October. The day celebrates the introduction of the Austrian Nation as an independent and sovereign state. This special event likewise recognizes the passing of the Declaration of Neutrality, a constitutional law on permanent neutrality.

Austria National Day History

In 1938, Hitler had manipulated Austria toward being annexed by Germany. This was known as the Anschluss and denoted the start of the impacts of the Nazi Holocaust (persecution of the Jews) in Austria. Austria was involved by Nazi soldiers for almost seven years, until the end of the war.

In 1945, allied soldiers divided Austria into four distinct zones that were involved by up to 700,000 allied troops. These were from the Soviet Union, the United States, France, and Great Britain. During the next decade, this number dropped to around 20,000 soldiers.

On 15 May 1955, the Austrian State Treaty was signed and, on 25 October, the last allied soldiers left Austria. Austria became independent again and was known as the Second Republic of Austria. The deal was concluded in Vienna on 26 October 1955 with the independence being added to the Austrian Constitution.

The National Day holiday was first celebrated in 1965, ten years after the signing of the Austrian State Treaty. Austria celebrates with memorial ceremonies the nation over. The Federal President attends Mass, government authorities lay wreaths at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and concerts are held. Additionally, newcomers to the Austrian Armed Service are confirmed.

Patriotism and pride are vital on this day and flags are available all over the place. To support the comprehension of the history of Austria, museums are free to enter on this day.

The Declaration of Neutrality was authorized on October 26, 1955, as a constitutional act of parliament. As per the Declaration, the Austrian Parliament proclaimed the country to be permanently neutral. The Declaration was a direct result of the ten-year Allied occupation of Austria by the United States, the Soviet Union, France, and the United Kingdom. The country was liberated from the occupation by the Austrian State Treaty that was signed on May 15, 1955. The ensuing Declaration of Neutrality was the last step towards the decree of the Republic of Austria.

How is Austria National Day celebrated?

Normally, Austria’s National Day is observed as one of the most important holidays in the country. The greatest festival is held in the Austrian capital of Vienna. A military parade is a traditional part of the celebration. The buildings of the Austrian Parliament and the Chancellery open their doors to guests on the occasion.

The Austrian National Day is celebrated with memorial ceremonies the nation over. The event is celebrated with extraordinary enthusiasm and fervor. Patriotism and pride are significant on this day and Austrian National Flags are available all over.

An extremely unique tradition on National Day is the “fitness marches” (Fit-Märsche). These are long fitness walks organized all through the country and attract a large number of travelers and residents every year. The aim of this is to promote fitness and raise awareness of a healthy lifestyle.

The day starts with special prayers for peace, progress, and stability in the region. The center of independence day celebrations is in Vienna, the country’s capital city.

The celebrations start with a flag-raising ceremony, followed by a colossal military parade including the display of advanced armories and war tanks. A great many Austrians including outside tourists too, head out to the capital city to see the military parades and special performances.

There are special Austria National Day seminars and speeches by government authorities, where tribute and respect are paid to old leaders who battled for the country’s independence.

The day is celebrated every year with a series of events in Vienna:

  • the Federal President and the Federal Minister for Defense attend a Mass on the Heldenplatz
  • the Federal President followed by the Federal Government lay wreaths at the tomb of the unknown soldier in the Crypt of the external Burgtor
  • a special meeting of the Council of Ministers is held
  • the government attends a Concert for Austria at the Vienna Staatsoper and
  • at long last, the newcomers of the Austrian Armed Service are confirmed.

On National Day, Austrian residents can visit any government museum free of charge. Different institutions additionally traditionally open their doors for the day (ie. the Federal Chancellery). Around the country so-called “marches for fitness” are organized to raise awareness among the populace about the advantages of exercise and fitness.

Throughout the world, Austrian Embassies celebrate National Day by holding receptions for Austrian residents.

Austrians like to take an interest in various celebratory events and have picnics. National Day is a public holiday, so everybody can partake in the festival.

Raeesa Sayyad

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