National Day in Liechtenstein

When did the National Day in Liechtenstein start?

About National Day in Liechtenstein Holiday

Liechtenstein's National Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the country's sovereignty. The holiday is celebrated every year on August 15th and is also known as the Day of the Principality. The holiday commemorates the Celebrations of the Restoration of Sovereignty, which marked Liechtenstein's independence from the Holy Roman Empire in 1719.

On National Day, Liechtensteiners celebrate by attending parades, concerts, and cultural festivities. The main event of the day is a parade in Vaduz, Liechtenstein's capital city, where the Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein hand out awards to local citizens for their accomplishments. National Day is also a time for bringing the community together to celebrate their heritage and history through singing folk songs, eating traditional food, and enjoying a variety of cultural performances.

National Day in Liechtenstein – Introduction

National Day, or Dreikönigstag, is a holiday celebrated in Liechtenstein, as well as several other countries, to commemorate the Epiphany, or the three wise men’s visit to the infant Jesus. This festival is celebrated annually on January 6th and is also known as Three Kings Day. On this day, Liechtensteiners celebrate with a range of festivities including parades, food, feasting, and traditional activities.

History

The celebration of National Day in Liechtenstein dates back to the late Middle Ages, when Europeans often observed a range of seasonal festivals in January. These months had long been considered important for their Christian significance, being the month when Jesus was born. Over time, diverse traditions emerged to celebrate different moments in the life of Jesus, overlapping with regional folklore.

In Liechtenstein, the religious holiday of Dreikönigstag focused on celebrating the Epiphany, or the three wise men’s visit to the infant Jesus who had been born in Bethlehem. Especially in snowy regions, children would dress up as kings or angels, or build large three-dimensional models of these figures. On National Day in Liechtenstein, a parade of these figures and float were paraded through the town for onlookers to see. As with all festivals, food and feasting became important components to any celebration, with the making of special meals and treats being a typical component of National Day in Liechtenstein.

National Day Traditions & Activities

Liechtensteiners continue to celebrate National Day with a range of activities that honour their unique culture and traditions. On National Day, everyone comes together in celebration, cherishing their sense of national identity and pride. The national holiday is mainly celebrated in the capital city of Vaduz, where participants from all over the country gather to take part in festivities.

The day begins with a parade of Three Kings, a tradition held in Vaduz that originated in the Middle Ages. The event sees citizens adorned in traditional costumes, floats, and decorations making their way through the city. This is followed by a large feast, accompanied by music and singing, as well as activities such as ice-skating, sledding, and snowball fights. A favourite activity of many, especially among the younger generation, is pelting one another with snowballs and ice-cubes.

The afternoon is usually marked by a visit to the Liechtenstein National Museum, a chance to learn about the country’s history and culture, notably the role of the House of Liechtenstein in the history of the country. In the evening, festive bonfires are lit in many places around the capital, accompanied by the singing of carols and stories about the Three Wise Men.

Conclusion

National Day, or Dreikönigstag, is a holiday that is celebrated annually on January 6th and is also known as Three Kings Day. On this day, Liechtensteiners celebrate with a range of exciting festivities and activities, from parades to feasting and traditional activities. This holiday is an important opportunity for Liechtensteiners to come together and demonstrate their sense of cultural pride and identity. National Day is a time of joy and celebration that the entire country embraces.

How to Say "National Day in Liechtenstein" In Different Languages?