The popular feature of the Redoute is the requirement to wear a mask, which generally only applies to women. In addition to subtle lace masks, pompous Venetian masks decorated with feathers could also be seen. The faces lay mysteriously behind them. It was only after midnight, when the masks fell, that they emerged. Much to the delight of National Council President Wolfgang Sobotka (ÖVP), who was curious to know who was behind the masks: “I really appreciate the cultural tradition of masks at this ball; they don’t exist anywhere else.”
Rudolfina Redoubt – When masks fall and ministers become witches
