'Funken' in Fontanella

Burning off the Funken- a traditional practice in Vorarlberg to symbolically drive away winter.

On Funken Sunday, the Chrochner (schoolchildren) and the Fachilischwinger (boys who raise the spark) go from house to house, reciting their little saying and wishing good luck. In the evening, winter is symbolically driven out with the burning of the spark. The date is easy to remember: Funken Sunday is always on the first Sunday of Lent. The spark fire (Funken for short) is an old fire custom that is still widespread in the Swabian-Alemannic region today. A wooden tower is erected around the sparking fir, which is then lit. In 2010, the Vorarlberg spark tradition was added to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage in Austria (national cultural heritage).

The fire brigade Fontanella provides snacks, mulled wine and much more.

Meeting point: Funkenplatz Fontanella, 20:00h