Carnival balls are an integral part of Austrian culture: 2.5 million people attend balls all over the country each year. The ball seasons tends to start around mid-November and lasts until Mardi Gras, which is usually in February.
- Vienna Opera Ball. The Vienna Opera Ball is one of those slightly odd social events that attract the rich and famous but is also open to anyone who is willing to hand over their life savings in cash. Paris Hilton famously attended the ball in 2007 and was criticized for her yawning and obvious boredom. Apparently the dancing debutante weren’t exciting enough for her. Other celebrity guests have included Sophia Loren, Pamela Anderson and Geri Halliwell. One of the main events of the ball is the procession of the Committee of Young Ladies and Gentlemen who perform the opening dance. This is a sort of debutante coming-out event. Candidates must be between the age of 17 and 24 and be bale to dance the left-hand waltz. Application is necessary.
- Rudolfina Redoute. This ball first takes place in the Imperial Palace. Masks must be worn and a strict dress code adhered to, else you will be turned away at the door. There is also an Opening Committee, once again usually performed by debutantes. Prices are more realistic than the Vienna Opera Ball, with tickets starting at around 70 Euros.
For a more extensive list of traditional balls to attend, visit Austria.info.
Alternatives Balls
- The Homeless Ball. In response to the decadence of the ball seasons, which make over 20 millions euros a year in revenue, there is the Homeless Ball. Every year, the homeless welfare organization Augustin, hosts the Opferball (Victim Ball) in tandem with the Vienna Opera Ball. The idea is to make a statement about the ball season, which for many, has become an elitist, self-indulgent yearly tradition.
- The Wall Flower Ball. Ladies, do you always find yourself standing on the edge of the ballroom with an empty dance card, wishing you hadn’t worn an apricot-colored dress? Then the Wall Flower Ball is for you! The Mauerblumchenball does not allow any one who is too colorfully dressed to enter. Guests are expected to wear grey or beige and at midnight, the dowdiest wallflower wins a prize.
- The Rose Ball & The Rainbow Ball. These balls are for a different sort of coming-out. The Rainbow Ball (Regenbogen) is a traditional Viennese ball for gays and lesbians. The Rosenball isn’t as classic. It’s held in the gay nightclub Heaven and hosted by the famous drag queen Miss Candy. The Rosenball is held on the last Thursday in February. Also, don’t confuse this ball with The Rakoczy Rose Ball!
- The Life Ball
The Life Ball is the largest AIDS charity even in Europe. Started in 1993, it takes place annually in May and last year raised 1.2 million euros. The ball, which accommodates around 4,000 ticketed guests, is held in Vienna’s City Hall. Each year has a theme, with 2008’s being ‘Landing Planet Life’. The ball is made up of two parts: an opening ceremony, which includes a fashion show, and then a fancy dress party. The fashion show, held outside the City Hall, is free. The Ball coincides with the Aids Life Charity Gala. Last year’s guest of honour was Bill Clinton.