Rupertikirtag takes place – SALZBURG24

The night before Ruperti, on September 23, the bells of the Salzburg Cathedral ring at the Ruperti festival. An extensive and atmospheric church program takes place between the Episcopal Church and St. Peter’s Abbey, with festive worship services, a labyrinth of lights, guided tours, and pilgrimage walks.

Walks around the Residenzplatz and the cathedral

Attractions and stalls line Residenzplatz, along the cathedral. The Ferris wheel, the chain carousel and foam rollers will not be missing this year either. “The archdiocese approached us and counted on the good will of the archbishop and the priest of the cathedral. With the support of the church, we quickly found an audience at Mirabell Palace and the mayor, ”reports Walter Deisenhammer. He is the president of the regional association of showmen of Salzburg. Because of the crown, he and his colleagues completely lost business this year. Almost. “Setting up a small Kirtag was a feat with all the specifications. We are very happy that it was a success, ”he says.

Mayor: “Ruperti is part of Salzburg”

The idea for the Ruperti Festival came from the City’s Pastoral Director, Dominik Elmer. The young theologian promised to ensure that there was room for entertainment alongside the great program of the church.
The Salzburg regional showmen association has 22 members. At this year’s Rupertifest, those four Salzburg families can present themselves with their attractions and stalls, “which have been with the Kirtag from the beginning,” explains Walter Deisenhammer.
By the way, no drinks will be served during the four days at Residenzplatz; The surrounding restaurants will take care of your physical well-being. “More was not possible with the currently applicable regulations,” says Mayor Harald Preuner (ÖVP). In any case, he is pleased that the festival can be held in this way. “For Ruperti, that belongs to Salzburg. We have such a good offer for families without having to organize a big Remmidemmi, and it also helps the showmen in their difficult situation this year, ”says the mayor.

Health concept for holidays

To best protect young and old visitors to the Ruperti festivities from the coronavirus, there will be at least one disinfectant dispenser in front of each booth. No more than ten people can sit on the attractions at one time. Distance rules apply when queuing; Stall operators make sure they are respected. Information panels are also created. Additionally, two specially commissioned supervisors ensure that the festival is colorful but safe. A maximum of 100 children, women and men are allowed to frolic between the Autodrom and the carousel at the same time.
Anyone who wants to take part in the guided tours, for example in the narrower rooms of the Library of the Abbey of St. Peter, must register in advance so that they can explore the secrets there as safely as possible in small groups.

“Let’s remember the origin of the Kirtag”

“The church program is in the spotlight this year even more clearly than usual. This is good because it reminds a little more of the origin of the festival, that is, on September 24 we celebrate the commemoration and the day of the name of our diocesan and state patron saint, St. Rupert ”, says Roland Rasser, priest of the cathedral and vicar general of the Archdiocese of Salzburg. He reminds us that Kirtage combines two elements:“ The celebration of the patron was and is related to the refreshment and of course, an entertainment appendix is ​​also part of it. “
If you fancy culture these days, you can visit the DomQuartier with free admission.

Saint Rupert as the patron saint of Salzburg

Rupert was the first bishop of Salzburg, first abbot of the monastery of St. Peter and is the patron saint of the city and state of Salzburg. In addition to the cathedral, numerous churches in the archdiocese are dedicated to him. Rupert died in his hometown of Worms in 718. Since September 24, 774, his bones lie in Salzburg. That is why we celebrate Rupert’s Day in Salzburg with a festival on this date.

(Source: SALZBURG24)