Intangible cultural heritage

A committee made up of people celebrating their 50th birthday invites the jubilarians to observe the festive day by attending mass and going on an excursion together. Beginning at midday, shops and offices are closed, and many businesses treat their employees to roast pork. “Lichtbratl” Monday is an annual festive celebration that is an integral part of Bad Ischl’s yearly calendar of events. Over time, it has developed into a local holiday in which the entire town participates. This custom is a popular, large-scale event that attracts a large number of people. Participation in “Lichtbratl” Monday is limited to the citizens of Bad Ischl and those born there, and thus has an identity-building effect for the community.
The exact year in which this custom began can no longer be precisely determined. What is certain is that this tradition existed as early as 1900 in its present form. At that time, however, only the 50- and 60-year-olds were included in the festivities. In the years following the Second World War, the event was expanded to include those turning 70, 80, etc. as well. Over time, the gifts presented to the jubilarians increased in magnitude as well: while it was customary at the beginning to present them merely with flowers, gifts now also include gingerbread hearts and other small tokens of appreciation.

Downloads

• Application form (in German only) 737 KB (doc)
• Expertise Schindler (in German only) 267 KB (doc)
• Expertise Zapotoczky (in German only) 154 KB (doc)