photo : K David Clark
The second largest city in the Austrian province of Carinthia (Kärnten) is Villach. A market town since 1060, it’s now a bustling city with a pleasing mix of ancient and modern buildings, culture, tourism and some very funny folk.
As winter draws near some interesting opportunities to meet the funny folk of Villach are presented.
Villach
Situated in the bioregion known as Alpe Adria, Villach is the meeting point for organic agriculture in Styria, Kärnten, some areas of Italy (Friuli-Venezia-Giulin and Veneto) and the whole of Slovenia. Italy and Austria lead the way for the world in organic farming, each having 10% of all agricultural activity based on organic growing. The best for the rest is a mere 3.3%!
Artefacts from ancient Roman times have been found in the area, but Villach is a city that has for centuries been plagued by natural and man-made disasters. These have repeatedly destroyed much of its attractive architecture. From earthquakes and fires in its ancient history to around 40 bombings by Allied Forces during WWΙΙ, Villach has repeatedly risen like the proverbial phoenix from the flames (including the fires of the 16th century). It retains buildings of charm and character alongside more modern designs.
As an all-season holiday destination, Villach offers opportunities for hiking, biking and other outdoor activities in the surrounding alpine areas. There’s also watery fun in natural hot spring waters and nearby not-so-hot lakes (Ossier See, Faaker See, Afritzer See, Aichwald See and Lake Wörther See). Needless to say, snow and ice based sports amuse and amaze in winter.
But what makes the folk of Villach funny?
Villacher Fasching
From early October onwards, some funny folk start to get together in Villach with one aim in mind – to make merriment for one and all. This feast of fun started in 1867, when entertaining the local agriculture workers was high on the agenda and involved a masked parade. By 1908, a Bauernball (Farmers Ball) was included that opened up the fiesta to the whole of Austria.
But it wasn’t until 1961, when the fun begun to take the shape of today’s Villacher Fasching. This is now a seriously super special event that attracts 10s of thousands of fun loving folk each year. From mid-November the streets are alive with the sound of humour, happiness and an abundance of goodwill.
Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday sees the funny folk of Villach joined together in a series of performances of music, dance, theatre – and an awful lot of satire – as they parody famous people. All in good taste, of course!
From November through to early March (Lent) a series of special markets, fairs and other interesting events take place. And all the merriment that’s made is led by a Carnival Prince and Princess. There’s even a children’s Prince and Princess leading the performances that are put on for junior joy seekers.
Shrove Tuesday
The climax of this winter of wickedly wonderful entertainment takes place on Shrove Tuesday. With song and dance in the streets from mid-morning onwards, Villacher Fasching Carnival Parade fills the rest of the day. Shopkeepers, stall holders and other funny folk parade about and perform for the enjoyment of all, in their masks and fancy dress. It’s a Christmas vacation, staycation and short-sight-seeing break all rolled into one!
Clowns and hounds, witches and warlocks – plus many more – are to be seen jiggling, juggling and generally having a fun-filled time as the festival draws to a close and the sacred season starts.
Dates for Your Diary
This year’s Villacher Fasching starts Christmas week. Carnival Parade is 9th February 2013.
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