Staatsfeiertag

Liechtenstein celebrates its national holiday on 15th August. The official name of the holiday is “Staatsfeiertag” of “State Holiday”. The national celebration was introduced in 1940 and is closely linked to the birthday of Prince Franz-Josef II on 16th August. When you don’t have independence to declare, I guess you just pick your national holiday?

The day starts at 9am with thousands of locals and tourists attending an official opening ceremony held on the lawn in front of Vaduz Castle during which the Prince and the president of the parliament make speeches - and more importantly, parade. The rest of the day is a celebration of all things Liechtenstein with a large fair held in the capital. Buses in the entire country are free for the day as the country is completely shut to any other road traffic to support the street parties taking place all over the country. The celebrations come to an end in the evening with a spectacular fireworks show at Vaduz Castle.

Charlotte & I started the morning at the parade then came back home to collect Adam & Olivia. We all headed back out for the afternoon and dinner, then Olivia & I came back around 8:30 - her bedtime is usually about 7:15, so she was exhausted! The party animals, however, braved the rain and crowds and stayed for the full fireworks show. It was 12:05 when they walked through the front door. To say Charlotte had the best day is the understatement of the century.

The Castle is under construction, so they hung the largest flag they could find on the scaffolding

waiting for the parade to begin

the Prince waved at us in the parade!

The speeches ended with the singing of the Liechtenstein National Anthem. I did not know before today that Liechtenstein used the melody of “God save the King” / “My county, ‘Tis of Thee” for their anthem. I also definitely didn’t know there were hand motions to it until today.

The words:

[0:09-0:42] Oben am jungen Rhein Lehnet sich Liechtenstein An Alpenhöh'n.
Dies liebe Heimatland, Das teure Vaterland Hat Gottes weise Hand Für uns erseh'n.

[0:43-1:14] Theilt nicht des Fürsten Herz Väterlich Freud' und Schmerz Mit Kindern hier?
Nicht ihn erhält das Land — So reichet ihm die Hand, In unserm Vaterland Vater und Zier!

[1:15-1:42] Hoch lebe Liechtenstein, Blühend am jungen Rhein, Glücklich und treu.
Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land, Hoch unser Vaterland, Durch Bruderliebe Band Vereint und frei.

[1:43-2:06] Hoch leb' der Fürst vom Land, Hoch unser Vaterland, Durch Bruderliebe Band Vereint und frei.

And translated to English:
High on the young Rhine Lies Liechtenstein, resting On Alpine heights.
This beloved homeland The dear fatherland God's wise hand has Chosen for us.

Does the prince's heart not share Fatherly joy and pain With children here?
The country is not receiving him — So give him your hand In our fatherland father and ornament!

Long live Liechtenstein, Blossoming on the young Rhine, Fortunate and faithful!
Long live the Prince of the Land, Long live our fatherland, Through bonds of brotherly love
United and free!

Long live the Prince of the Land, Long live our fatherland, Through bonds of brotherly love
United and free!

After the speeches & singing, we walked from the castle down to the city center where we bounce-housed with friends.

And, of course, practiced our curtsies...

...rode the merry-go-round...

...and then night came and we got ready for fireworks