Raising of the Maypole

Name: Raising of the Maypole
Start: 2025-04-30CEST17:00:00
End: 2025-04-30CEST23:00:00
Location: Bathing island Hallstatt

Hallstatt, Oberösterreich, Österreich

pets allowed
All weather
Suitable for groups
Suitable for pushchairs
Suitable for kids (all ages)
Free entry

Date

30.04.2025 / 17:00- 23:00

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Event location

Bathing island Hallstatt
Lahnstraße
4830 Hallstatt

Contact

Local traditional folk dance group

Echerntal Hallstatt, 4830 Hallstatt

Phone+43 6134 8762
E-Mailh.pammer@aon.at

Event information

Every year on the evening before the 1st of May, the residents of Hallstatt meet to fulfill a very special custom. Accompanied by traditional music and best food, the nice decorated maypole is set up near the bathing island.

Back to the roots

The maypole is traditionally set up with poles on the bathing island in the World Heritage Site of Hallstatt. But what is this tradition all about? Putting up the maypole may already go back to pagan customs. The most important rule is, that the maypole may only be set up with pure muscle strength, which is exactly what these long poles are used for.

Stealing the maypole

Stealing the maypole is just as famous as putting up the maypole. Neighboring communities try to steal the maypole from each other.
To prevent this from happening, the maypole is guarded. Extreme caution is required, especially at night on the 1st of May. But there are also certain rules for stealing maypole, which can differ from place to place.

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