Austria - Erntedankenfest - Harvest Festival - Thanksgiving

Saying thank you for a great harvest in Austria - 29th September 2013
Top View to the Valley
They do not need much of an excuse to have a party over here. I get the impression that one of the favourite festivals is the Harvest Festival or Thanksgiving at the end of September. We were lucky enough to be around this year and after the religious ceremonies in the morning it is a chance for the Farmers, the Ladies and various others to show off and generally have a good time.

We spent the morning up the mountain above the Town. Not a very bright day but pleasant enough for a walk around the Lake and a bit of marmot spotting. Hardly anyone else was up there, they were probably all in Town. The leaves on the plants were turning brown, they have the shortest season up here at over 2000m. Last to go green and first to go brown. Back in town it was time for the parade. The parade goes all through town and starts off reasonably soberly but the Tractors are powered by schnapps! Not sure that drinking copious quantities of the fiery fluid straight from bottle is a great idea but no doubt they have been doing it for centuries.
Mostpress
Half the Apple Orchard on here
A lot of the floats were handing out samples. I tried some of the Most which apple juice and something else and it tasted rather good.

Roofers at work
The Ladies enjoy it too
Taking the sheep for a ride
A Merry dance in a pot - stamping down the produce


Local Farmer on his accordian


Getting threshed
Band on Tour

Beer from Schmarantz
Local handicaraft?
Undercover



Location: Bad Hofgastein, Austria

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