Assumption Day, known in Tyrol as "Hohe Frauentag"
Where: throughout Tyrol, when: 15 August
The Tyrolean state parliament made Assumption Day a state holiday in 1959. As a result, the 15 August is a major public holiday in Tyrol. The celebrations are also some of the most spectacular because the Tyroleans, led by armed shooters, also use this day to celebrate their overwhelming victory against Napoleonic troops at the 3rd Battle of Bergisel on 13 August 1809.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Hohe Frauentag traditionally starts with three loud cannon shots at six o'clock in the morning. Every rifle company in Tyrol is active on this day and gun salutes are fired before rounding off the celebrations with beer and wine.
Another tradition on this day is the presenting of awards, medals and decorations.