Living tradition

May 1st: When customs rise into the air again

Like every year, it's time to climb the maypole again this year. Clubs, families and friends put up their trees!

May 1st is not only traditionally regarded as Labor Day, but also as the day on which maypoles are raised into the air in Austria and especially in Carinthia. In many places in Carinthia, preparations for this big day are already complete.

Maypole erection begins
The associations, traditional and village communities have felled and debarked the imposing spruce trees and decorated them with colorful bunting. In many Carinthian villages, the tree is still traditionally erected using manpower as a symbol of fertility and joie de vivre. Traditionally, this feat of strength is accompanied by bands and celebrated with a festival where entire villages come together.

Your photo for the "Krone"

This year, the "Kärntner Krone" is once again publishing photos of maypoles. Send pictures to: [e-mail]