It’s Carnival time in Austria! This is a time of partying and eating before Lent starts with 40 days of fasting for Easter. You may have already been to one of the balls in Graz or Vienna or eaten the traditional krapfen doughnuts. On Faschingsdienstag / Shrove Tuesday (this year Feb 25, 2020) there is a big parade ‘Faschingszug‘ through the center of Graz.

Celebrations begin at 10:00 am in the Landhaushof with a children’s party. Kids can have their make up done, and be entertained by clowns, a magic juggler,  fire-eater, confetti bomb, a soap bubble artist and lots more. The children’s carnival begins first, followed by the main carnival procession at 12:45 o’clock along Herrengasse (lasts until around 14:45). There is a special theme each year and for 2020 it’s Superheroes in Styria.

The party then continues from 16:00 in Färber-, Mehl- und Glockenspielplatz.

The old town is full of atmosphere and fun with costumed street performers and free krapfen doughnuts! (Sorger bakery donates 6,000 carnival doughnuts every year).

If you don’t want to join the crowds you can also watch the parade live on TV on ORF 2. Also keep in mind there will be no trams running through the old town during the event.

You can also read more about Carnival in Graz on Sarah Löcker’s blog or how to make your own krapfen on Living La Vida Graz