30 January 2021

View at Fasching 2021 in Vienna, Austria: 'Sweet' life is not prohibited in all facets

Carnival is named in Austria 'Fasching', derived from words (details) from the Middle Ages denoting celebrating before the 40-days of the fasting period (Lent) which begins on Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter. Fasting (means in German language 'Fasten') is still part of the word 'Fasching'. The time of Fasching is flexibel; the high times of Fasching are three days before Ash Wednesday starting this year on 14th February (Faschingssonntag), followed by 15 February (Rosenmontag) and the absolutely most important day of Fasching, the Faschingsdienstag on 16 February. The next day marks the beginning of the Lent season (17 February - 3 April 2021).
Every year, Fasching and the ball season are important topics on Fashion.at - if it's the makeup or costumes for appearing as a fictional character at a carnival party or the evening gowns and hairstyles for the numerous and diverse Viennese balls. This year, the pandemic made it necessary to cancel many important events that are essential for the city's culture.

But 'sweet' life is not prohibited in all facets. Another highlight of the Austrian carnival is the Faschingskrapfen (sort of donut) which is traditionally filled with apricot jam; other fillings must be explicitly mentioned when served such as at the Wien Geschichte (Vienna History) website by the city government about the 'Krapfen' published.

In Vienna, the pastry shop, café chain AÏDA is known for delivering classical cakes like Sachertorte or seasonal specials such as Easter eggs from chocolate or currently, typical Viennese Faschingskrapfen with apricot jam.

Images: The picture left shows the AÏDA Faschingskrapfen. Right: The map of the 12 shops, where the pastry can be collected. On 29 January 2021, AÏDA made the Faschingskrapfen online order service at aida.at/webshop/ with home delivery or click & collect public. Photos: © AÏDA.