Culture and traditions

Life in the Murtal in the heart of Styria is still very much characterised by Christian and rural customs. Numerous customs accompany us throughout the year.

If you have the opportunity to attend one of our traditional events, then make the most of it. Because this is where customs are still really lived. The customs that are kept alive by regional associations or sometimes just by individuals have mostly been passed down from generation to generation. Only a few of these customs are actually events. Many are simply practised in families or local communities. It is therefore often the case that neighbouring villages know little about the customs of the neighbouring villages and do not know the background. This makes it all the more exciting to discover the background to the customs of the region.

Of course, there are numerous customs in the Mur Valley that are also known throughout Styria. Others, however, really only exist in this region - such as the plague candle parade in St. Benedikten or the Weisenbläsertreffen at Sommerthörl.

Many customs accompany our year and you may even discover one or two that you recognise from home.

In St. Margarethen there is even a local heritage association, the Stamm 1907, which has set itself the goal of keeping numerous customs, dances and traditional costumes of the region alive.

Tradition in the Murtal accompanies you throughout the year, from spring to winter.

All in all, there are many beautiful spring traditions in the Murtal, which have both religious and secular aspects.

SPRING TRADITIONS IN THE MURTAL

In the Murtal, there are some wonderful traditions associated with spring and the upcoming public holidays. One of these traditions is Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter processions and services are also held, with the significance of the festival taking centre stage. The consecration of palms, the consecration of meat and the rattling of the Holy Week bells, which replaces the church bells, are fixed elements here.

Another tradition in spring is the set up of the maypole. On 1 May, a decorated tree is set up in many villages in the Murtal to welcome spring. This is a custom that has been practised in Austria for many centuries. Together with music and dancing, putting up the maypole is a sociable event for young and old.

Another fixed date in the Murtal is the Hochalm Mother of God statue, decorated with flowers and carried through the village. During the winter months, the statue is kept in Seckau. Only in spring is it carried up to the Hochalm together.

Carnival, the colourful hustle and bustle before Lent, is also an important part of spring in the Murtal. Parades and masked balls take place in many communities, where people dress up and celebrate in colourful costumes. The main aim is to drive away the winter and prepare for spring and the upcoming Lent.

Summer Traditions in the Murtal

The Murtal is a region that offers numerous traditional events in summer. One of these events is the Weißenbläsertreffen. Brass music enthusiasts from all over the region come together here to play and celebrate.

Another popular tradition in the Murtal is the Waffenradtreffen. Cyclists meet up here to tour the region together on historic bicycles. The participants often wear historical clothing to make the experience even more authentic.

Another highlight is the plague candlelight procession. Here, the town is lit up with candles to commemorate the plague epidemic that struck the region in the 17th century. The procession is a moving experience that brings the history of the region to life.

There are also numerous pilgrimage services for believers in the region. Here, people from all over the region come together to pray and celebrate. The services are often very solemn and have a special atmosphere.

Last but not least, there is the summer solstice, which is also celebrated in the Murtal. Here, people come together to celebrate the longest daylight of the year. Fires are often lit and there are special rituals and traditions to celebrate this special day.

Autumn Traditions in the Murtal

There are many traditions to experience in autumn in the beautiful Murtal, many of which have their origins in nature. An important part of autumn is the Legendary Hiking Autumn. Here, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy the colourful autumn landscape and immerse themselves in the world of legends and myths of the Murtal. The hikes lead to mystical places and provide an insight into the history and culture of the region.

Another highlight in autumn is the harvest festival in Seckau. The harvest is celebrated here and the fruits of the year's labour are presented. The harvest crown on display in Seckau Abbey is particularly impressive. The harvest crown is traditionally woven from grain and flowers and symbolises thanks for a good harvest.

All in all, the autumn traditions in the Murtal offer a wonderful opportunity to get to know the region and immerse yourself in the culture. Whether hiking or at a harvest festival - here you can enjoy the beauty of autumn to the full.

Winter Traditions in the Murtal

There are numerous winter traditions in the Murtal that are celebrated a new every year. One of the best-known traditions is the Perchten runs, where men in elaborate costumes with terrifying masks parade through the streets.

Another tradition is St Nicholas, who distributes small gifts to well-behaved children on 6 December. There is a particularly impressive nativity scene in Seckau, which is rebuilt every year and attracts numerous visitors.

The leather jump is a little more unusual, with young men jumping over a beer barrel, above which an arse leather is held by two miners. The leather jump is performed to elevate young students to the rank of miner.

The winter solstice is celebrated with various customs, such as lighting a fire or putting up a Christmas tree. The carol singers go from house to house and collect donations for needy children.

Last but not least, there is Innocent Children's Day, which is celebrated on 28 December. Where the children wish the adults a Happy New Year with rods.

All these winter traditions help to make the cold season in the Murtal a special and unforgettable time.