Nabada
23th July 2012

After the traditional swearing of the oath in the Weinhof on the morning of Oath Monday, the 'Nabada' river festival takes place in the afternoon. The colourful river procession begins on the Danube at about 16:00 h (by the way, 'Nabada' means 'swim down' the Danube).

Numerous themed boats decorated and manned by various societies and groups, poke fun at the political issues of the day, rather like at the Carneval on the Rhine. They are accompanied by the lively music of various bands being carried on boats swaying away down the river (the spectators also have a vote on the best musical act). In addition to the official boats, countless small river craft joint in the fun, usually including some “water rats” in rather risky home-made constructions, splashing and paddling their way down the 7 km stretch of the Danube.

This day of watery fun culminates in festivities with live music in Friedrichsau Park and at various points around the city centre.