In the emperor's new clothes: "People want to experience that"

2023-08-18 16:52:00

Dressed in the most beautiful robes, with parasols and hats – some with gold bonnets – the ladies stride through the streets of Bad Ischl. Gentlemen are formally dressed in tuxedos or tails, but on August 18 they prefer uniforms. After all, it is the day that is entirely dedicated to the former Emperor Franz Joseph. Exactly 193 years ago, the emperor saw the light of day in Schönbrunn Palace. Bad Ischl has always had close ties to the imperial family.

Picture gallery: In the emperor’s new clothes

(Photo: Hörmandinger) Bild 1/44

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Every year, the health resort dedicates a whole week to the emperor’s birthday. Starting with the arrival of the Kaiser double couple and their entourage at the train station in Bad Ischl to the Kaisermesse on the occasion of the birthday on August 18th. However, Bad Ischl’s Emperor’s Week is not about glorifying the Emperor, says tourism director Jakob Reitinger. “Of course, the imperial family is an important part of Bad Ischl. For us, it’s much more about the connection to the history of Austria. The celebrations on the occasion of the emperor’s birthday are traditional, and people want to experience that.”

Historical performers in action

“May I take a photo?” resounds from all sides. Mobile phone cameras are pulled out, the historical actors can’t stop smiling. One in particular not: Gerard Fritz-Zirves. Born in Luxembourg, who now lives with his wife Francoise on Lake Attersee, he has been slipping into the role of Emperor Franz Joseph during Kaiserwoche for more than ten years. With his “Sisi” at his side, he presents himself in one of the traditional uniforms during the Kaiserwoche. This has fascinated him since he was a child. “I have a whole collection of these at home,” says the historical performer. “My favorite is the blue service uniform, which was tailored according to the Kaiser’s documentation.”

On the birthday itself, the Kaiser actor only wears a tuxedo and top hat. Because on this day of honor, the Habsburg-Lorraine family is the sole focus: the relatives, members of the former nobility and delegations from the traditional regiments commemorate the emperor in the Catholic parish church – accompanied by the imperial anthem.

The Emperor’s birthday is then celebrated in the Imperial Park together with Archduke Markus Salvator of Habsburg-Lorraine and family members. Because Franz Joseph’s birthday is not the only celebration in Bad Ischl. It is also the 170th anniversary of her engagement to Empress Elisabeth.

While some residents of Bad Ischl leave the spa town especially during the Kaiserwoche, Italians, Asians, Czechs and many more travel to the Salzkammergut. The task of the Kaiser double couple this week: “We want to make people happy and make the story more tangible.”