so goes a children's rhyme, talking about the discovery of America.
100 years before that feat the farmers around the settlement of Bleiburg
received permission from the then ruling Count to show and sell their produce on a large meadow at the foot of Castle Hill.
Thus, 625 years ago, in 1393 the first "Bleiburg Wiesenmarkt" took place.
For sale was offered, I assume, Eggs and butter and Ham and Cheese, and maybe a cow or a bull.
Today, 625 years later, you can purchase anything, from a sewing needle to a heavy duty truck and everything in between. Over 350 exhibitors vie for your Euro. For the kids and for the kids in all of us there is plenty of amusement. Mary Go Round, Autodrome, Ferries Wheel, and Shooting Gallery.
Music, music, music....
It all starts with the posting of the "Freyung" exactly 14 days prior to the opening of the "Wiesenmarkt"
Led by the Mayor and other dignitaries
the "Freyung" is carried onto the Main Square.
The "Freyung" is a long, red and white staff,
wound by a garland and topped by a fist, holding a large sword.
The sword symbolizes the might of the ruling Duke
and the Law and Order which must reign during these festivities.
The customary drink is "MET" a honey-wine
produced not only for this occasion, but all year long
by the town's intrepid Sweetbaker ( Konditor ), Gottfried Stöckl.
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