Villach, Austria is located in the state of Kärnten (Carinthia) in the South, and is situated on the Drau river. It is an important traffic hub for the entire region of southern Austria and the Alpe-Adria area. It is also beautiful – I lived there from February to August of 1975, and while I was there I was privileged to experience Villacher Kirchtag, one of Austria’s largest cultural festivals.

Kirchtag (literally “church day,” but encompassing more of a summer harvest festival than anything else) was begun on 1 August, 1936. It begins on the first Saturday in August and runs for a week. The annual Trachtenfestzug (regional costume parade) that takes place on the first day can attract 40,000 to 50,000 spectators.

Below, for your viewing pleasure, the photos I took of the event in 1975.

To the Amusement Park

 

Rides

Fireworks

Parade

Local clergy

Parade

Hauptplatz festivities

More Fireworks

Ferris Wheel

Amusement park

Parade

Parade

Making a point

Parade

Dancing girls

Spook Alley

Parade

Parade

Parade

Parade

Parade

Crowds gather to watch the parade

Hauptplatz

Parade

Looking towards the train station

Folk Dancing

Parade

Parade

Parade

Parade

Hauptplatz again

Looking the other way

Parade

Parade

Local costume

Oh my God it’s a bear get in the car!

Parade

Local color of a different kind.

Music everywhere

 

My Kirchtag-ID, similar to today’s concert or event wristbands.

Our little meeting house was on the  second floor of one of the buildings along Hauptplatz, giving us a front-row seat for all the festivities. I love Villach, and I have enjoyed every chance to get back.

The Old Wolf has spoken.