The medieval tradition of erecting the Freyung – a tall decorated pole topped with the coats of arms of Bleiburg and Carinthia, and a carved wooden arm holding a sword – marks the official start of the Wiesenmarkt season in Bleiburg. Since 1994, the Freyung has been installed at the Freyung Fountain by Kiki Kogelnik on Bleiburg’s main square.

Accompanied by the sound of bells and accordion music, the Freyung is carried by Town Judge Martin Dobnigg, together with members of the municipal council and traditionally dressed representatives of the Carinthian Heritage Association, from the town hall across the Upper 10 October Square to the Freyung Fountain. There, it is mounted on the dedicated plinth as a visible symbol of the beginning of the market season.

As part of the ceremony, the official “Wiesenmarkt Beer Tapping” will also take place – featuring Breznik beer!

with Dean Msgr. Mag. Ivan Olip and Reverend Dr. Stefan Schumann, held on the Pötscher autodrome grounds.

The Wiesenmarkt officially begins after the service, which starts at 12:00 noon. The end of the service will be marked by the ringing of bells. The serving of food and drinks, operation of amusement rides, and playing of music are permitted only after that point.

Reduced prices in the amusement park until 7:00 p.m.

A highlight for the whole family! The Small Animal Breeders’ Association K5, Völkermarkt District, presents rabbits, chickens, birds and more, and awards prizes to the most successful breeders.

For years, the Slovenian cultural association Edinost has invited senior groups from Slovenia, Carinthia and Italy to this popular event at the Svaveja uta.

Accompanied by the ringing of bells, the ceremonial arrival of the Freyung at the market site marks the festive highlight. The grand parade – watched by thousands of visitors – leads from the Grenzlandheim via Postgasse to the 10 October Square and onward to the market grounds.

Leading the parade are the Market Councillor, Market Manager, and the local commanders of the fire brigade, military and police, along with the Jauntal Traditional Costume Band from Loibach.

They are followed by a knight on horseback and the Freyung group, in which Town Judge Martin Dobnigg carries the Freyung, flanked by four halberdiers in historical Landsknecht uniforms.

The official guests follow, including the Governor of Carinthia and numerous political representatives from national, regional, and local levels.

Next come the many traditional costume groups, brass bands, and decorated wagons from local clubs and businesses.

At the lower Main Square, the historical Ground Rent Ceremony (“The Red Velvet Pouch”) takes place as part of the procession – presented by the Municipality of Bleiburg to the owner of the market meadow, the Bleiburg Parish.

The Mayor, escorted by halberdiers, reads the historical proclamation from 1578 aloud in front of the market hut: “Hear ye, hear ye! The honourable judge and council of the town of Pleyburg hereby convene the Roman-Imperial Freyung for this open and free annual market…”

Following this, the Town Judge takes his “official seat” in the Freyung Hut. The halberdiers mark out a square area in front, which may not be entered without paying a fine. This “offence” is often committed by many distinguished guests, who promptly “buy their pardon” with a symbolic donation.

After the welcome address by the Market Councillor, greetings are delivered by representatives from the chambers of commerce and agriculture, as well as political figures.
The ceremony includes the recognition of long-standing market participants and culminates in the official opening and traditional beer tapping.

For more than six centuries, the Bleiburg Wiesenmarkt has been a key economic driver for the region. Historical records show that until the end of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the early 20th century, traders from across the Alps-Adriatic region came to Bleiburg to present and sell their goods.

Reviving this tradition, the Municipality of Bleiburg launched the Alpe-Adria Exhibition in 1998 in the spirit of a united Europe.
This year marks the 26th edition (accounting for two cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

In 1998, exhibitors and municipalities from Austria, Slovenia and Italy jointly presented their regional specialities in a shared marquee. While there were seven exhibitors from three countries back then, this year twenty exhibitors from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Austria will participate.

The Alpe-Adria Exhibition has become a hub for the diverse regions of the Alps-Adriatic area – a place where local delicacies are shared, cross-border friendships are formed, and a common European spirit is celebrated.