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The Republic of Austria, with its nine administrative divisions, is located at the centre of Europe and bounded by Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Liechtenstein, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland on all her sides. The country has been the traditional seat of the Habsburg dynasty. The Habsburgs were the only political representatives of Roman Catholicism in the 16th and 17th centuries. Ever since then, Austria has become a predominantly Roman Catholic country. At present, out of a total population of 8.1 million 78.14 percent Austrians are members of the Roman Catholic Church.
Since, Roman Catholics are the dominant religious community in the country it is very natutal that their festivities would be celebrated with great mirth and fervor.Therefore, Ball Season and The Vienna Festival or Wiener Festwochen form important aspects of Austrian celebrations.
Austrian celebrations begin with the Balls Season.The season starts with Christmas Eve and continues till June. However, the month of February marks the peak of Balls Season. A ball in Vienna is famous for the magic spell of Viennese waltz. The “national” ball is for the Austrian wealthy and notable people to make a show of their riches. This is attended by the President, Chancellor and most of the Government Officials. However, The Imperial Ball that takes place on December 31, is famous for its glamour, glitter, and tradition.
The Vienna Festival or Wiener Festwochen, as it is expressed in German language, forms an important part of the Austrian Celebrations. The festival is held every year during May and June and lasts for five weeks. This is a festival of theatre, music, and dance productions staged by famous artists from all over the world. Since1951, when the festival started, it has displayed a high artistic sense. The Vienna Festival along with the Viennale film festival attracts thousands of tourists every year from all over the world. Countries such as Bosnia, Canada, Denmark, France, India, Israel, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea participate in the film festival with their productions.
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