The Advent season is celebrated in a special way in the Graz Adventure Region, more precisely in Bärnbach. On Saturday, 30 November, the Advent market starts at Telepark Platz from 10:00 am. Look forward to lovingly decorated stalls with handmade arts and crafts and culinary delicacies from the region. The festive switching on of the Christmas lights at 17:00 by the mayor Jochen Bocksruker is a magical moment that transforms the entire centre into Christmas light.
This is followed by the Barbara celebration, which is dedicated to mining customs and is a firmly anchored part of regional culture. At 17:30, the Oberdorf-Bärnbach mountain band opens with an atmospheric concert in front of St Barbara's Church, followed by the ‘Barbara High Mass’ at 18:00, celebrated by parish priest Winfried Lembacher and vicar Dr Johannes Sauseng. The mass is accompanied musically by the ‘Madrigalchor Voitsberg’ and brings a reverent atmosphere to the evening.
After the church service, the participants gather for the traditional parade, which begins at 19:15 and leads to the Volkshaus Bärnbach. The festive ceremony takes place there from 20:00. A special highlight is the ‘leather jump’, a mining tradition that will be led this year by Claus Deutsch. The evening will be accompanied by musical contributions from pupils of the music and secondary school in Bärnbach.
Whether as a family, with friends or alone - the Barbara celebration and the Advent market offer a special opportunity to get in the mood for the Advent season and spend an unforgettable day in Styria. The Graz Adventure Region invites you to take part in this unique cultural festival.