As autumn begins to arrive, the city of Graz suddenly comes alive with color and excitement. Aufsteirern, a festival celebrating the culture and traditions of Styria, Austria, takes place during this time of year. The usually quiet historic center is transformed into a lively stage filled with music, people, and an incredible festive atmosphere.
The Festival Takes Over the City from Jakominiplatz to Hauptplatz
The main festival area stretches from Jakominiplatz to Hauptplatz. Stages are set up along the main streets and squares, where local music groups and dance groups perform one after another, entertaining visitors with traditional music and folk dances.
But that is not the only highlight. Be sure to pay attention to the inner courtyards (Hof) of the buildings along the streets. These courtyards are normally quietly closed off from the public, but during this particular weekend, many of them open their doors. Inside, you can find local wine tastings, folk music performances, craft workshops, and a variety of other events. If you want to get away from the noise and enjoy the festival at a more relaxed pace, these courtyards are highly recommended.
One in Four Visitors Wears Traditional Clothing
One of the biggest highlights of the festival is, without a doubt, the traditional clothing worn by local people. Around 25% of visitors wear traditional clothing such as dirndls and Lederhosen, making it almost impossible to stop taking photos. Tourists can also rent traditional clothing and easily enjoy a little taste of Styrian culture, so why not give it a try?
“Does Graz Really Have This Many People?”
The city is incredibly lively on the day of the festival, almost as if the entire population of Graz has come out to celebrate. Even locals may find themselves wondering, “Does Graz really have this many people?” That said, apart from the center of Hauptplatz, the crowds are not too overwhelming, and it is still possible to walk around comfortably while enjoying the festival atmosphere.
Opening Night Highlight: A Performance by the Graz Philharmonic
Aufsteirern begins on Friday evening, and one of the highlights of the opening night is a concert by the Graz Philharmonic Orchestra. This popular annual event tends to sell out very quickly, so booking your tickets early is highly recommended. The combination of the orchestra’s performance, the autumn night sky, and the illuminated historic center creates a truly magical atmosphere. For music lovers, it is sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Final Thoughts
For tourists, Aufsteirern is a wonderful opportunity to experience Graz from a different perspective. But for local residents as well, it is an annual event that they look forward to every year. During this special weekend, Graz is filled with music, traditions, and smiling faces. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, be sure to experience the atmosphere for yourself.
The festival continues through Sunday. Why not spend the weekend dressed in traditional clothing and fully immerse yourself in Styrian culture?
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