The big-name events at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg always captivate with a great supporting programme. The site is transformed into a concert stage and motorsport fans celebrate with greats such as Andreas Gabalier, Wanda, The BossHoss and many others. A special kind of theatre is on offer at the JuThe in Judenburg (www.juthe.at) and the THEO Oberzeiring (www.theo.at), which also puts on outdoor productions in the summer. Give your laughter muscles a workout at the performances, while going on an emotional rollercoaster ride at the same time.
On balmy summer evenings, the party can really get going in the Murtal. Music nights, gourmet markets, garden festivals, etc. invite you to wind down or crank things up. It's tradition to offer a broad programme of events, all hotly anticipated and eagerly awaited.
Particularly popular among young and old alike is the Marktfest (Market Festival) in Maria Buch on 15 August, when the "Große Frauentag" (Great Day of St. Mary) is held. The ceremony opens devoutly with a mass at the beautiful pilgrimage church, before the entire village becomes one big marketplace. Grocers and farmers offer their wares, and the atmosphere gets jollier by the hour. A hearty celebration takes place in the "Festzelt" (party tent).
A wonderful rural tradition is celebrated at the end of the alpine pasture season in September. At the annual "Almabtrieb" (cattle drive), the cattle are bedecked with pretty meadow flowers and large bells, and, as the name suggests, driven back down the alpine pastures and into the valley. This custom is a way for the herdsmen and dairymen to give thanks that their animals are safely back in their stalls. It's a merry festivity, with the people of the Murtal parading their beautiful costumes and folk dancing the "Schuhplattler". A glass or two of beer may also be clinked.
The "Milchfest" (Milk Festival) is often celebrated alongside the cattle drive, in honour of this "white nectar". You'll find all sorts of milk specialities on offer, and can also witness the Milk Queen being crowned with her two princesses.
When the cow bells fall silent in late autumn or early winter, you'll still hear a loud chiming, tinkling and clanging in the Murtal. The goddess Perchta appears in her two forms (beautiful and haggard) to make trouble and drive away evil spirits respectively. The eye-catching masks are showcased during the "Perchta parades", which strike fear into many a heart with fire shows and cracking whips. And as the end of the year approaches, you can get into the peaceful, merry Christmas spirit at the various Christmas markets (link to Advent page in the Murtal).