The lively carnival season around Shrove Tuesday brings celebration, but it's not a statutory public holiday. Plan your local events and childcare early to enjoy the festivities.
Carnival 2026 includes these dates: Shrove Monday: ; Shrove Tuesday: ; Ash Wednesday: . Not a nationwide Austrian public holiday. Local events, schools or employers may still have their own arrangements.
School events and autonomous school-free days can differ strongly by region.
Shrove Tuesday does not replace annual leave and is not a nationwide day off.
Town centres can be busier because of parades, closures or events.
The period often sits close to semester break and matters for family logistics.
Shrove Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday fall immediately before or at the start of Lent. Not a nationwide Austrian public holiday. Local events, schools or employers may still have their own arrangements.
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