While the opening steps planned for May 19 spread anticipation and hope, organizers of large celebrations are clear: the distance rules and access restrictions will hardly be adhered to. Conclusion: The Klagenfurt Altstadtzauber and the Gailtaler Kufenstechen in Feistritz must also be canceled. The Weitensfelder Kranzel riding takes place only in the narrowest possible framework.
Because the church day in Feistritz im Gailtal cannot be celebrated at Whitsun due to the regulations, the skate jousting does not take place either. The custom, which is considered an intangible world cultural heritage, has been handed down since the 18th century. But Corona prevents tradition.
This year, at Whitsun, the Kranzlreit rides take place behind closed doors, which has been a reminder of the race between three youths spared from the plague for the only virgin in Weitensfeld since the 16th century.
The city judges in Clagenfurth also had to force a rejection: This year there is no old town magic. For the popular festival, at which around 40 bands can always be heard at the beginning of August, jugglers, stilt walkers, pantomimes and even more small artists can be admired, the regulations are hardly feasible. “We use the entire city center, so it is extremely difficult to pay attention to access restrictions, and even more difficult to control the distances,” says Burgrave Willi Noll. The magic of the old town is preceded by around ten months of preparatory work; now a decision had to be made. One hope remains: maybe the flea market can take place.