When the stars sparkle in the sky and dots of light dance on mountain slopes - then it's Easter fire season!
When a number of points of light can be seen from mountain slope to mountain slope and valley floor to valley floor on the night from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday, then it is clear to the people of Ennstal: the Easter fires have been lit.
This traditional custom fire is often several meters high. The lighting of the Easter fire is usually a good occasion for families or local clubs to get together. For the most part, the fires burn as soon as it is dark enough on Holy Saturday. According to traditional customs, lighting would only be scheduled for Easter Vigil between two and half past three in the morning.
On the night of Good Friday to Holy Saturday, the prepared fire must also be well guarded. Because here custom allows the fire to be lit by other groups or boys. And then the beautiful Easter fire on Holy Saturday is over. Or it means going out into the forest again to collect branches, twigs and brushwood that need to be re-piled.
A little tip on the side:
As soon as the fire has burned down and there is only a nice pile of embers left, it is perfect for roasting potatoes. Simply wrap the raw potatoes in aluminum foil and “bury” them in the embers with a stick. After a while, take it out again and enjoy.
