Liechtenstein National Day
Observed annually on August 15th, Liechtenstein’s National Day is a holiday that’s celebrated in the world’s sixth smallest country: Liechtenstein. It’s been a holiday that’s been observed since 1940 but has much older origins than that. The day for its celebration was chosen because it’s the supposed day when the Virgin Mary ascended to heaven and it was the day before the birthday of Prince Franz Josef II. Over the years, this holiday has evolved with traditions coming and going as society changes with time. Currently, it’s a public holiday that’s celebrated with a ceremony on a meadow next to castle Vaduz.
Liechtenstein (Observance)The History Of Liechtenstein’s National Day
Liechtenstein is a German-speaking micro-state that’s located in the European highlands of the Alps between Switzerland and Austria. National Day was already a bank holiday and the day on which the Feast of the Assumption was celebrated when it became a national holiday in 1940. As we said earlier, the purpose was to have a holiday that combined Mary’s ascension to heaven with the Prince’s birthday. But it still wasn’t observed as an official national holiday until 1989. this is when Prince Franz Josef II died. In his honor, the holiday was changed to a National holiday that was first celebrated in 1990.
Observing Liechtenstein’s National Day
On this holiday, people can expect several different things in Liechtenstein. First, many businesses and schools are closed, except for ones that are catering to fairgoers and tourists. Two, museums usually offer free entrance as a courtesy to the people. Public transportation is also free on this day to allow people to get around. The next thing that people can expect is a variety of German and Swiss foods, a speech at Vaduz castle, and lots of music and other activities.
Liechtenstein (Observance)
