St. Stephen's Day
Description:
Unlike the Nativity of Christ, which according to Austrian traditions is a family holiday, on St. Stephen’s Day, Austrians visit friends and relatives and exchange gifts.
In Austria, St. Stephen is the patron saint of horses (earlier on this day horses were consecrated). In tribute to tradition, riding lovers gather in nature.
St. Stephen's Day is a feast day in the main cathedral of Austria - in the Vienna Cathedral of St. Stephen, consecrated in 1147.