Colors of Baden-Baden - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

For many travellers from different countries of the world Baden-Baden is closely associated with healing springs, luxurious casinos and horse races that take place at the internationally famous hippodrome Iffezheim. The massive horse races, which attract many travelers from different parts of the world, are without a doubt the most significant event in the life of the city. The large-scale sporting events are organized here three times a year. The end of May is the time for a holiday called "Spring Meeting", in late August the locals enjoy the competition called "Big Week", and in the end of October the locals celebrate «Sales & Racing Festival», which is also accompanied by entertaining sports competitions.

The city has many interesting traditions connected with conduction of sporting events. For example, the fair sex visitors absolutely must wear a charming hat at the hippodrome. There are many trading pavilions near the hippodrome that sell hundreds of designs of clothes and hats, so you will be easily able to select a proper outfit for the holiday. Champagne remains the most popular holiday drink. Before the start of the races all the guests gather on a spacious terrace in front of the Hippodrome, where they are welcome to try excellent food and delicious snacks. While enjoying the meal, you can see how the horses are prepared for the race, and once the breakfast is over, all visitors are invited to return to their places. Horse racing has long become a good national tradition, so visiting the legendary Iffezheim hippodrome is the dream of every traveler.

There are also many interesting stories connected with the name of the city. Until 1931 the city was known as Baden, but due to a frequent confusion the city was given a double name. The reason for this is in the fact that there are also the cities named Baden in the suburban district of Vienna and in Switzerland. These are not all remarkable facts about the famous spa city. Baden-Baden is also known as the first city, in which has been issued the world's first certificate authorizing the organization and conducting of gambling. The significant event took place in 1748. Another no less important historical event happened here 110 years later, when the first official international horse races in the world were held here. As it is not hard to guess, the famous sporting event took place at Iffezheim hippodrome. The casino is also known as a kind of a symbol of the city. It suspended its operations only during World War II. The re-opening of the casino took place in 1950 and coincided with the beginning of the first post-war holiday season. Since that time the world-famous gambling establishment has welcomed its guests every day. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Small and, at first sight, slightly sleepy resort of Baden-Baden prepares for its guests an endless stream of festivals and celebrations. If you are planning to visit Baden-Baden in June, be sure to attend the Days of Roses or Badener Rosentage. This event has an extensive cultural program, which starts with the official opening ceremony attended by the mayor of the city. At the end of the program, you will be able to witness spectacular shows with torchlight and fireworks. During this festival, almost all the events are free of charge. But some of them, like excursion guided by a professional rose-breeder, who will provide interesting and useful information about rare varieties of roses, are not for free and demand payment.

Fans of races in July - August are expected by international competitions at the local racetrack - Trabrennbahn Baden. Lovers of Strauss and Kalman's music will have an excellent opportunity to listen to their masterpieces during the operetta festival (Badener Operettenfestival), which takes place in June-September. Women will be happy to attend the so-called "Baden in Weiß" holiday, which focuses on shopping and interesting cultural programs. During these days, you will have the greatest opportunity to enjoy awesome sales, as far as shops are beckoning with discounts. But the first and only condition to use such a discount is that all purchases must be done in a white outfit.

From May to the end of October, you will be able to enjoy several wine festivals in Baden-Baden. During the Weinfestival Thermenregion, the group of professional experts will select the best wines. This event takes place annually. The citizens of Baden-Baden are always waiting for the Month of Wine, especially for the event with the unpronounceable title "Gschichtl'n & Grichtl'n Aus Dem Wienerwald". The next day in the Kurpark you can degustate around 200-300 varieties of wine: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Riesling. Wine if the Park event is followed by "Wein Ab Hof", "Wein in der Burg in Perchtoldsdorf" events. In September, again, a series of events will be drawn - the Week of Grape Treatment (Badener Traubenkurwochen), dedicated to completing the collection of grapes as part of the celebration of "Wine Autumn".