Thanksgiving and safety: Villach weekly market invites you to exchange ideas!

Thanksgiving and safety: Villach weekly market invites you to exchange ideas!

On Friday, October 11, 2025, the Villach weekly market will be a special place for encounters and enjoyment as Thanksgiving is celebrated. At this traditional event, the harvest crown is ceremoniously blessed by city priest Richard Pirker. The market feeders offer a variety of culinary specialties that are available for tasting or to take away. The accompanying supporting program also includes entertaining carriage rides and the Villach Finance Choir quartet, which provides musical accompaniment. The market starts at 10 a.m. in the main square.

However, not only celebratory events take place this week. Before the big Thanksgiving, visitors to the weekly market can also take part in the “GEMEINSAM.SICHER – Coffee with Cops” initiative. Here, police officers are available for discussions to break down barriers and address safety issues in a personal setting. These security discussions will take place on Wednesday, October 8th and Saturday, October 11th. The aim is to reduce prejudices when discussing security and to promote more open communication between the police and the population, as 5min.at reports.

Thanksgiving in a cultural context

Thanksgiving is not only a local tradition in Villach, but also has deep cultural roots that can be found in many parts of the world. Historically, the festival, also known as the harvest prayer, is primarily celebrated in Christianity in autumn. It serves to thank God for the harvest and reminds us of man's dependence on creation. The harvest gifts are often distributed to those in need. In Austria, Thanksgiving is celebrated in September or October depending on the region, which reflects the diversity of traditions. It has also been documented in the Roman Catholic Church since the 3rd century. The exact dates vary, and in many Protestant churches in Germany the first Sunday in October is now declared the common holiday for Thanksgiving Wikipedia.

The connection between culinary delights and community interaction is evident not only in the festive dishes, but also in the initiatives that strengthen security awareness among the population. The motto of the security talks is to promote dialogue and reduce fears. Police officers bring their expertise to bear in a relaxed setting, giving citizens the opportunity to address current security issues.

Overall, the Villach weekly market on this special day promises not only a celebration of the harvest, but also an opportunity to strengthen the community and actively work for security and cohesion in the city. The combination of festive atmosphere and security policy exchange makes this market visit a special event in the diary of Villach citizens and visitors.