Imperial mass

Like at the time of the Habsburgs each year on 18th August, the occasion of the Kaiser's birthday, an "Imperial Mass" is celebrated in Bad Ischl.

Thousands of visitors line the roads when members of the Habsburg family, former noble families and delegations of traditional regiments from the former crownlands as well as several militias betake themselves to mass.

Before the service the delegations form up and the commander of the parade reports to the Habsburg Family and asks for further commands. When Archduke Markus has inspected the honour guards the flag bearers enter the festively decorated church.

During the following service the Imperial Hymn is sung. After the service the regiments, headed by the Bad Ischl Bürgermusik brass band, march to the Kaiserpark to pay homage to their majestic highness Archduke Markus Salvator of Habsburg Lothringen. Afterwards there is a reception for invited guests, yet there is also plenty to see for the many onlookers.