Customs & folk culture in Styria
Traditional costumes, a charming dialect, unique dances and impressive handicrafts: Folk culture can be experienced in many ways and locations in Styria, and it has a firm place in the everyday life of many Styrians.
The green heart of Austria boasts a variety of traditions. Many of these customs are embedded in the cycle of nature and thus play an integral role for people in the city and the countryside throughout the seasons.
In harmony with nature
Styrian seasonal customs
Do you know what Pless or ratchets are? They are Styrian customs, that much can be revealed at this point. The different customs are directly linked to the region and its landscapes and mark important times in the annual cycle. Stories, dances, songs and special characters are handed down from generation to generation and often represent cherished traditions.
Whether it's Carnival, Easter or Christmas: From spring to winter, customs and traditions such as the raising of the maypole, the driving down of cattle from the mountain pastures, the harvest festival or Advent markets are all celebrated with heart and soul in Styria.
Regional songs and tunes
Folk music in Styria
Styria is just as diverse in its folk music as it is in its scenic beauty: Alpine regions with rugged cliffs in the north form an extremely charming and harmonious whole with the largely hilly south and its wine-growing areas. The landscapes represent exciting contrasts that can also be felt in folk songs and instrumental folk music ...
Interesting fact: There are records of folk songs, yodelling, tunes and instrumental pieces that date back a good 200 years. This highlights that people have been singing and making music in Styria for a very long time. As early as 1810, Archduke Johann advocated a wide-ranging collection of musical folk culture. Today, the Styrian Folk Song Archive alone lists around 30,000 manuscripts.
Speaking of today: The Styrian harmonica – a diatonic harmonica – with its typical, recognisable sound plays a central role in instrumental folk music. Alpine music is characterised by simple major melodies and a parallel two-part harmony, supported by a functional bass. All these criteria are fulfilled by the Styrian harmonica, which is used as a single instrument but also in a wide variety of ensembles.
Tip: More information on musical folk culture as well as folk cultural events and seminars is available at the Styrian Folk Song Association.
