Die Freyung

It happened in 1393 that the ruling Count, or was he a Duke?.......

In any event it was then that the Citizens of Bleiburg received permission for the first time to hold a "Market Festival."

It was an event. of such considerable significance, that it is still celebrated yearly on this date. 

Two weeks later the "Festival of the Meadow" was held, which today is the biggest Country fair in this area.
Think about this for a moment: Columbus, on his way to find a route to India, stumbles upon what later was called "America." He "discovers" America in 1492.
When it comes to "Discoveries" Columbus is a bit of a late comer.
Because the People of Bleiburg discovered the joys of a party almost 100 years earlier.
They were so happy to have beaten Columbus to the punch, that they are still having a ball during the "Wiesenfest!

In this "Planting of the Freedom March" into the town square,

first, of course, comes the music,  followed by the bearer of the "Freyung"

then comes the Mayor  and other town dignitaries

and then, everybody else who wants to be there.

The Ladies and the Gentlemen of the local Costume Club

come in the lovely costumes of times gone by.

The most important part is the cart with which the huge jug of "Met"( honey-wine) 

is brought to the party.

The Mayor, having had the first "sip of Met"

declares it better than ever

and certainly drinkable.

This concoction is brewed every year by 

Mr. Gottfried Stöckl, 

the towns acknowledged best 'Konditor' (sugar baker)

Group photos

with everybody who wanted to be in on the fun.