Residents of Liechtenstein are very fond of celebrations. In this small state, in addition to the generally accepted ones (New Year, Easter, etc.), they also celebrate “their” holidays, which are associated with ancient traditions – the onset of a new season, religion or mythology.

The main national holiday – Assumption Day – is celebrated in Liechtenstein on August 15th. All residents, diplomats and tourists gather in front of the Prince’s Castle and on the squares of cities. This holiday opens with a speech by the Monarch and the President. After their speech, the national anthem is played, and the church choir also performs. On this day, free sweets are distributed to everyone, and at the end of the celebration, a big salute is fired.
Assumption Day festivities
Official holidays

The inhabitants of Liechtenstein are very religious people. In the calendar of holidays of this state, there are such church holidays:

St. Berthold’s Day – January 2nd.
Candlemas – February 2.
St. Joseph Festival – 19 March.
St. Stephen’s Day – 26 December.

The law stipulates that no one works on these Liechtenstein holidays. In cities, lush festivities, dances, and songs are sung on the main streets. In churches, starting at six in the morning, prayer masses are held, in which absolutely everyone can participate. On such holidays, it is customary to ask for forgiveness from relatives for insults and to make sweet gifts as a sign of repentance.
Folk holidays in Liechtenstein

Consider some of the most interesting folk holidays of the Principality of Liechtenstein:

Among the many folk holidays of Liechtenstein, one of the favorites of the inhabitants was Funken und Kuahlisontag – seeing off winter. It is celebrated on the first Sunday of Lent before Easter. With the onset of darkness, its inhabitants gather in the street and set fire to torches. With these torches, the procession walks through the streets to the resounding songs. It is believed that such a rite drives away dark forces. After the “consecration” of the streets has passed, people gather on a dais and kindle a fire in the form of a pyramid. A straw effigy of a witch of dark forces is placed on top of the pyramid. When the flame of the fire burns out, all the participants of the celebration gather at the “sweet table”. The main treat on this day is Kuali – rectangular sweets.

Another favorite holiday in Liechtenstein was Fasnacht. This is a carnival that takes place on the Thursday before Lent begins. Its participants dress up in pagan costumes and masks and dance to music Gugter. A costumed parade is held on the main squares of the towns.

For the inhabitants of Liechtenstein, Alpabfart has become an important holiday. In late autumn, when the ground is covered with frost, the flocks return from the mountain meadows. This day is considered the closing of the summer season for pastures. In the evening, when it gets dark, the villagers go out to meet the shepherds and their flock. Bulls and cows on this day are hung with wooden hearts on their horns, and bells on their necks.