Vienna also has its own carnivals much the like the ones celebrated in Brazil and other parts of the world. They are part of the Fasching season which begins in the new year and runs until the Mardi Gras or Strove Tuesday.
When the carnival season comes, the Viennese normally take the time to celebrate. They spend money to buy decorations for their home, costumes and tickets to important events. For 2013, the trend in costumes include skintight body suits, vintage dresses and super heroes.
In fact, some 29.5 million Euros have already been spent by Vienna residents for carnival items this year and this figure is higher than the previous year by 7 percent. The amount translates to an average of 51 Euros spent by each person during carnival time.
Apart from the costume parades and parties, the carnival season in the Austrian capital is also highlighted by the New Year concert and the famous Opera Ball which calls for a more formal attire.
The Viennese carnivals originated in the countryside such as those in Villach which began in 1867. Situated in the southern part of Austria, Villach hosts a number of festivals each year including the mardi gras, the arts and crafts, the Villacher Kirchtag in summer and performances done on a floating stage on the Drau River.
The carnival normally starts in November 11 and ends in March 4. It is also broadcast live by the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation ORF. Each year, more than a million people watch this event on TV.
