St. Martin's Day

On November 11, the Catholic Church commemorates St. Martin.On November 11, the Catholic Church commemorates St. Martin. In Austria, the Martinigansel tradition dates back to pagan harvest festivals and was adapted by Christianity.

On Martiniganzel, Austrians eat specially cooked goose, which is served with weeks, red cabbage and chestnuts. The custom of eating geese on St. Martin’s Day also dates back to the old days. The fast, which follows St Martin's Day, had tough rules in place. So, for example, no big deals could be made these days. Therefore, November 11 became a market day and a day of debt collection. And, as you know, geese were a typical means of payment of the Austrian peasantry.

In today’s Austria, St. Martin’s Day is celebrated not only by eating goose, but also by a mass hike to the Hourigers – small restaurants on the outskirts of Vienna, where young wine is served – it is November 11 that is officially considered the day of the new harvest wine when it ripens, and last year’s wine from this point onwards is considered old.

In addition, Martinigansel is the traditional opening of the season of balls and carnivals.