The Austrian state of Salzburg will observe a regional public holiday on Thursday, September 24, 2026, to mark Saint Rupert’s Day, locally known as Rupertitag.
Saint Rupert’s Day is celebrated in honour of Saint Rupert of Salzburg, who is traditionally regarded as the founder of the city of Salzburg and the first bishop of the Salzburg diocese.
The holiday has particular significance in Salzburg because of Rupert’s historical role in establishing the city as an important religious centre. According to tradition, Rupert arrived in the region around the end of the seventh century and established St Peter’s Abbey, one of the oldest monasteries in the German-speaking world.
September 24 is traditionally associated with the feast day of Saint Rupert in the Catholic calendar. In Salzburg, the occasion has developed into an annual regional holiday, with religious ceremonies and cultural events held in the city and surrounding areas.
As a regional holiday rather than a nationwide public holiday, the observance primarily applies within the state of Salzburg. Some government offices, schools and businesses may therefore operate differently from other parts of Austria.
The day also coincides with the Rupertikirtag, a traditional folk festival in Salzburg featuring markets, music, traditional clothing, food and cultural celebrations.
