Maibaumaufstellen, Oststeiermark | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth, Christian Jungwirth Maibaumaufstellen, Oststeiermark | © Steiermark Tourismus | Atelier Jungwirth, Christian Jungwirth
Traditional styrian costumes and more

Customs & folk culture in Styria

Traditional costumes, a charming dialect, unique dances and impressive handicrafts: Folk culture can be experienced in many ways and locations in Styria, and it has a firm place in the everyday life of many Styrians.

The green heart of Austria boasts a variety of traditions. Many of these customs are embedded in the cycle of nature and thus play an integral role for people in the city and the countryside throughout the seasons.

Customs, language and handicrafts

Styria from its traditional side

It's well worth getting to know and love the particularities and uniqueness of Styria. Folk culture and customs are an exceptionally beautiful part of it, which can be marvelled at especially during the Easter and Christmas seasons. Around the time of these Christian festivals, regional arts and crafts are presented in all their diversity. To pass on the traditions of Styria and, at the same time, interpret them in a contemporary way – that's a fine balance which is being struck not only in traditional costume fashion, but also in the Styrian language ...

Regional songs and tunes

Folk music in Styria

Styria is just as diverse in its folk music as it is in its scenic beauty: Alpine regions with rugged cliffs in the north form an extremely charming and harmonious whole with the largely hilly south and its wine-growing areas. The landscapes represent exciting contrasts that can also be felt in folk songs and instrumental folk music ...

Interesting fact: There are records of folk songs, yodelling, tunes and instrumental pieces that date back a good 200 years. This highlights that people have been singing and making music in Styria for a very long time. As early as 1810, Archduke Johann advocated a wide-ranging collection of musical folk culture. Today, the Styrian Folk Song Archive alone lists around 30,000 manuscripts.

Speaking of today: The Styrian harmonica – a diatonic harmonica – with its typical, recognisable sound plays a central role in instrumental folk music. Alpine music is characterised by simple major melodies and a parallel two-part harmony, supported by a functional bass. All these criteria are fulfilled by the Styrian harmonica, which is used as a single instrument but also in a wide variety of ensembles.

Tip: More information on musical folk culture as well as folk cultural events and seminars is available at the Styrian Folk Song Association.

Cultural holidays in Styria