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Think you don’t know any Austrians? You’re wrong! Despite it’s small appearance, Austria has produced some of the world’s greatest artists. Whether your interests include literature, films, or music, you are sure to find at least one Austrian among your favorites. Here are some examples to give you a sample of the most famous Austrians. |
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Music |
Famous composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, Franz Schubert, and Joseph Hayden were all born in Austria. Modern day rocker, Falco (with the hit song “The Commissar”) was too. The Trapp family in “The Sound of Music” lived in Austria and the movie was filmed in Salzburg. | ||||
Personalities |
Actors Peter Lorre came from Austria. The 'govenator' Arnold Schwarzenegger grew up in Graz. Psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud grew up in Vienna. |
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Authors |
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Franz Kafka were both from Austria. | ||||
Holidays and Culture |
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Austrians have many traditions and holidays that they celebrate which we don’t in America. These traditions help to make Austria the vibrant country that it is. I have only chosen a few of the many celebrations that Austrians celebrate that we don't here in the United States. |
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| Copyright Graz Tourismus- Veralstaltigung- Advent in Graz | |||||
Fasching |
During Faschung (fat Tuesday), all of the little kids of the city get dressed up in costumes (and fun adults too) and go to a parade in the middle of town. Generally the day is spent in town enjoying the festivities. It’s like Halloween in the United States but without the candy. | ||||
Weihnachts-maerkte |
These markets are extremely popular around Christmas time. Every city has at least one market, if not more. Vienna alone has over five different Weihnachtsmaerkte. They are outdoor areas where people set up booths to sell all kinds of Christmas goodies. One very popular item is called “gluhwein”, which is a hot spiced wine. “Punsch”, a hot punch spiked with rum, is also available for those who need a break from the gluhwein. Food is also available at these markets, especially gingerbread cookies. Decorations are in great supply, with lots of sparkling lights and tinsel- it’s truly a sight to see! | ||||
Krampus Tag |
Krampus is the arch nemesis of St. Nikolaus. On Krampus Day, the town is full of people. Scary, hairy, ugly Krampus’s (or rather, people dressed up in Krampus costumes) roam the streets and hit all of the children/people who have been naughty with branches that they carry around. This holiday is definitely not for the lighthearted- in fact, it can be quite brutal at times! | ||||
| Think you know about Austria? Take a quiz to find out! | |||||
| Questions? Contact Ms. Kristi Dietz at Dietzkr@uwec.edu Page last updated November 2, 2004 |
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