A retiree, who has been dancing for over twenty years and is around 60 years old, stated that he has experience in dancing but this year he does not plan to attend any events due to the high ticket prices. According to the Vienna Economic Chamber (WKW), the average ticket price for the city's traditional balls amounts to about 140 euros. Vienna is known for its numerous balls, many of which take place in old palaces or imperial palaces.
The most iconic ball in Vienna is the "Opera Ball," although there are dozens of similar events organized by various guilds. This year, the ball season began with the chimney sweeps' ball at the Ferstel Palace and will extend until the end of February, with events such as the Lawyers' Ball and the Opera Ball, considered the most exclusive and grand. The ball season is expected to generate about 190 million euros in revenue for the Austrian capital, with around half a million attendees, including foreign visitors.
Some attendees at these balls highlight the fun experienced by participating, even without knowing all the dance steps. The quadrilles, which are danced throughout the season, are popular among attendees, who gather with friends to enjoy the music and dance. The most emblematic musical pieces are by composer Johann Strauss, recognized as the "King of Waltz," coinciding in 2025 with the 200th anniversary of his birth.
To kick off the 2024/25 ball season in Vienna, around a hundred people gathered in the city center for the traditional "Carnival Dance." Despite the low temperatures and fog, experienced and beginner dancers joined enthusiastically to learn to dance a "quadrille" near St. Stephen's Cathedral. Among the participants was Peter, a resident of Vienna who attended the event with his wife, enjoying the celebration despite the cold.
