Historical Background

The former residence of the ruling Habsburg dynasty, the Hofburg, is one of the largest secular building complexes in the world. The original mediaeval building started life as part of the city's fortifications. It was constantly added to over a period spanning seven centuries while it served as the imperial family's winter residence in the heart of Vienna. Cutting an imposing figure on Heldenplatz, the Neue Burg, which houses the Festsaal, was completed under Franz Joseph (1830-1916) who reigned from 1848 until his death in 1916. His Empress was Elisabeth (1837-1898), who is better known as Sisi.

The imperial couple played host to numerous extravagant ball events at the Hofburg. The Hofball (court ball) used to take place towards the end of January, with Empress Elisabeth deciding the precise date. Once the court had gathered in the Zeremoniensaal - which is still one of the most stunning rooms at the Hofburg to this day- selected guests were invited to pay their respects to the Emperor and Empress in person. The popular buffet was set up in the nearby Grosser Redoutensaal. Meanwhile the dance floor was positively brimming with activity - after all some 2,000 ballgoers were in attendance. The last waltz commenced at exactly quarter past midnight, and drew this spectacular imperial event to an end.

The same venue played host to the Ball bei Hof just two weeks later. This more intimate event, reserved for the ruling elite, drew around 700 high-ranking royals and members of the diplomatic corps. To qualify as "Hochadel" (higher nobility), aristocrats were required to demonstrate a lineage going back at least eight generations on both the maternal and paternal sides.

The most valuable porcelain in the imperial dining service was unpacked for a formal dinner which was served in the Radetzky apartments and neighbouring rooms. The strict seating order was dictated by rank. Ladies spared no expense and took every care to ensure their appearance matched the occasion, happily parting with between 300 and 500 Gulden for an evening dress - more than the annual income of a court servant.

First held in 1970, the Kaiserball faithfully upholds this glittering ball tradition in the modern era. Each year, the organiser Hofburg Vienna welcomes around 2,500 guests from more than 30 countries to Vienna's largest New Year's Eve ball event.

31. Dezember 2011

Historical Background