Category Archives: holidays

Frühjahr

Posted on 03/02/2014 by Marcellina

The German word Frühjahr is, according to the online dictionaries, a synonym for Frühling, or “spring” (the season). However I sometimes have taken the word to mean “beginning of the year”, and so, with the proximity of the advent of … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, garden, holidays, Innsbruck, nature, travel | 2 Comments

Kulturblogging: Die Hofkirche

Posted on 09/06/2013 by Marcellina

One of Innsbruck’s main attractions for the historically-minded is the Hofkirche, or Imperial Church (but no one calls it that, it’s just always the Hofkirche). As a tourist sight, the plain white exterior is deceiving (I heard it once remarked … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, culture, current events, history, holidays, Innsbruck, memory | 3 Comments

A Belated Memorial Day Posting

Posted on 28/05/2013 by Marcellina

I realized too late that I had this photograph in my computer, and that it would fit nicely for Memorial Day. This plaque is recessed into the wall between Franziskanerplatz and the courtyard behind the Hofkirche. In my 13 years’ … Continue reading →

Posted in America, Austria, history, holidays, Innsbruck, lives of others, memory | 4 Comments

>Es Lebe Der 1. Mai

Posted on 01/05/2011 by Marcellina

>  Every May 1st at around noon, the Leftists get out their banners and march through the center of town. They’re peaceful enough, lots of families; the police presence assures no violence (I have never witnessed any myself, not even … Continue reading →

Posted in current events, holidays, Innsbruck | 3 Comments

>Krampuslauf

Posted on 07/12/2008 by Marcellina

>The 6th of December is St. Nicholas’ Day, and that means Krampus is out and about. The Krampus is actually a devil who accompanies the good saint on his rounds — good children get a nice present from Nicholas, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, christmas, holidays, Life Abroad | 1 Comment

>May Day

Posted on 01/05/2008 by Marcellina

>In villages across Austria, May Day is the day when the Maibaum (a tall smoothed tree trunk with the branches left on only at the very top) is, um, erected (think big phallic symbol being planted into Mother Earth), marking … Continue reading →

Posted in Austria, holidays, Life Abroad | 3 Comments