Prince's Birthday in Liechtenstein

Prince's Birthday in Liechtenstein

August 15

The Prince's Birthday is a national holiday in Liechtenstein. This 60-square-mile country (population around 32,000) gets almost 25 percent of its revenue from selling postage stamps. The country is a constitutional monarchy headed by Prince Franz Joseph II, who turned over actual power to his son, Hans-Adam (b. 1945), in 1984. It was founded at the end of the 17th century when Johann Adam von Liechtenstein, a wealthy Austrian prince, bought land in the Rhine valley from two bankrupt counts. In 1719, he obtained an imperial deed creating the country. That date is considered the official birth of the nation. Members of the Liechtenstein family have ruled the country ever since.
Franz Joseph II was born on Aug. 16, 1905, but his birthday is celebrated on Aug. 15, the day of the Feast of the Assumption. Celebrations take place in the capital city of Vaduz. People come from the countryside for the festivities which include an open house at the prince's home and castle, Schloss Vaduz, dancing in the streets, special food in the cafes, and fireworks in the evening.

CONTACTS:
Princely House of Liechtenstein
Furstenhaus von Liechtenstein
Schloss Vadux
Vaduz, 9490 Liechtenstain
423-2381-280; fax: 423-238-1281
www.fuerstenhaus.li/en

Celebration day: Aug 15