Dick reports...

Martinitanz ,
an annual Tradition!

It is gratifying to see the great Hall of St. Peter and Paul filled with about 400 guests to celebrate the festival of "Landespatron" (patron saint) Saint Martin. The ‘Burgenland’ state of Austria is the 7^th largest of the 9 provinces since 1921 and St. Martin’s Day is the 11^th of November. St. Martin was born in Hungary as the sun of a Roman soldier and it was tradition that made him follow in his fathers footsteps before he turned away from a path of conquering and walk on a path of religion. There are many different stories how all this came about. Fact is he died a pious man, about 1600 years ago (AD. 397) but his memory lives on.

With so many clubs struggling to stay alive, or going under – mainly because of attrition, internal struggles it seems almost like a miracle that the ‘Burgenländer’ manage to fill the hall every year with friends of their culture.

Of course there were guest from other clubs present and a number of dignitaries, such as the new Austrian Consul Dr. Robert Luck and Christine Meyer, President of the Canadian-Austrian Society and others, who were all introduced by Otto Novakovics, president of the club.

Guests

Back home – in the ‘Burgenland’ part of Austria and other catholic parts of Europe– this day is also celebrated with a traditional "Martins Goose", pretty much the way we celebrate Thanksgiving with the traditional turkey in this country. One might wonder why a goose? Well, the story goes that he was hiding in a goose stable when he was called on to take the cloth. But the geese gave him away with loud noise.

Ein Prosit...

But would have been too difficult at the setting here at the hall, so tasty Schnitzels and Sausages were on the menu instead - plus the original Austrian import "Gösser" beer to wash it all down with. The traditional cake plates, provided by the Ladies’ auxiliaries, were available again – just like at the picnic in the Evening Bell Park earlier this year.

And, as at the picnic, the Golden Keys provided the musical background to the festivities with their rich palette of familiar tunes from earlier times – when music was still "music". It was amazing to see so many of the guests still dancing an animated Jitterbug, when the band played something vigorous as "In the Mood" for example between popular waltzes, polkas and other dance favorites.

The Golden Keys
...and dancing to their sound

Of course the success of this event also depended mainly on the many volunteers that were involved at the various stages before and after the festivities. Kudos to them!

Herbstfest

Another successful event was the fundraiser of the Ladies’ Auxiliaries, disguised as ‘Herbstfest’, at the Donauschwaben Club – practically just around the corner – albeit on the same evening. What really caught the eye were the wonderful ‘autumny’ centerpieces on all the tables. Well, it was an autumn festivity, after all!

Danube Swabian Women's Auxiliary
...and their "Einmarsch"  Pictures by Andrew Mora

After the impressive ‘Einmarsch’ of the "Frauengruppe" in their fabulous dirndls , proudly displaying the flag, the conclusion of the official part of the evening and a photo opportunity of the whole group, the floor was open for dancing to the rich palette of familiar tunes by the ‘Romeros’.

Dancing to the Romeros

The guests eagerly attended the fund raising activities – one could tell by the many tickets left on the tables – yes, Peter Runge is holding his winning tickets.

Every penny helps to make it possible for the Ladies’ group to function and help out the club whenever they can. It is only common sense that all chip in a little – to create a lot.

Until the next time,
"Merry Christmas and a happy New Year"

As always
Dick Altermann