Salzburg’s tradition of setting up a Maypole on the 1st of May you can trace from the 16th century!
In many regions setting up the Maypole is an inherent part of traditional customs. On the 30th of April, one day before the 1st of May, a straightly grown spruce is cut down in the forest and then it is rid of branches up to the treetop. The tribe must now be well guarded as tradition tells that the young boys from neighboring places would try to come over and steal the Maypole. A stolen Maypole must be fetched back by giving the ‘enemy’ some food and beer – but the mockery is worse.
Now the town’s girls are decorating the tree with garlands and wreaths. Setting up the beautiful Maypole is going to be a real folk festival.