Image: VOLKER Weihbold
It is well known that Upper Austria has five quarters with the Salzkammergut. Likewise, that once a year a sixth quarter is added: namely Vienna. Namely on June 17, 2023. Because on this day, a cultural and traditional highlight of the year will take place with the Ball of the Upper Austrians – and of course also the Upper Austrians – presented by the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten.
And it is an anniversary ball, because this year the Summer Ball is taking place for the 120th time. “Originated as a dance party during the time of immigration, this ball was an opportunity to get a taste of home life in Vienna,” says Fritz Mairleitner, cultural officer of the Association of Upper Austrians in Vienna. Although he was born in Vienna, he grew up in the area around Mattighofen in the Innviertel before moving back to Vienna to study. Hardly anyone knows the history of the ball as well as he does. “In this way, the tradition of home could also be lived in Vienna, because back then there was not such a good and fast connection home, so we all came together for the provincial ball in Vienna.”
The ball is taking place for the third time this year in the Vienna City Hall, where Mayor Michael Ludwig – as anyone who has already read page 33 knows – is married to a woman from the Mühlviertel. But “landlord” is someone else that day, namely Governor Thomas Stelzer. After all, he says: “I’m looking forward to welcoming many Upper Austrians and numerous guests from Vienna and the surrounding area again.” And whoever greets also sets the tone.
Speaking of sound: With Julian Le Play, the star DJ Rene Rodrigezz, a formation of the PEPEs Woodstock Dance Orchestra, performers from the Lehár Festival Bad Ischl and the Musiktheater Linz as well as other artists, a good atmosphere is guaranteed. And good food anyway, because if Upper Austria in Vienna is known for one thing in addition to tradition, then for good food. With 70,000 Upper Austrians, Vienna is the eighth largest “district” in Upper Austria in terms of population, after Linz, Vöcklabruck, Linz-Land, Gmunden, Braunau, Wels-Land and the Urfahr area.
- Tickets and prices: Presale 70 euros; box office 80 euros; Discount for Raiffeisenclub members as well as for OÖN-Card owners and club members 60 euros; Further information at: [email protected]
Source: Nachrichten
