St. Florian's Day is one of Upper Austria's most meaningful regional feast days. It honors St. Florian, the patron saint of the region and of firefighters, through religious pilgrimages to St. Florian Monastery, firefighter ceremonies and community festivals, keeping alive traditions that date back to the early Middle Ages.

When is St. Florian's Day?

St. Florian's Day is celebrated every year on May 4.

The following is the list of St. Florian's Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of St. Florian's Day?

Born around 250 AD, Florian served as a Roman officer in Noricum (a Roman province covering much of present-day Upper Austria). During Emperor Diocletian's persecutions of Christians, Florian was ordered to renounce his faith. He refused, was arrested, and executed by being drowned in the Enns River with a heavy stone tied around his neck around the year 304 AD. He was quickly venerated as a martyr, and his story spread across Central Europe.

Early Christians in the region preserved Florian's relics, and his tomb became a pilgrimage site. Stories of miracles, especially related to protection from fire and floods, strengthened his reputation. Devotion to St. Florian spread beyond Austria into Bavaria, Poland, and Hungary.

A monastery was built near the site of his martyrdom, known today as St. Florian Monastery, one of the oldest monastic sites in Austria.

By the 11th century, it became a major pilgrimage destination. The monastery later grew into a Baroque landmark and remains the spiritual heart of his veneration.

From the Middle Ages onward, St. Florian became associated with protection against fire, floods, and natural disasters. He was named patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, brewers, and Austria's Upper Austria region.

His image, pouring water over a burning house, became widespread on houses, barns, and public buildings as a protective symbol.

In Upper Austria, it became a deeply rooted regional tradition tied to both religious ceremonies and community identity.

Since the 19th century, fire brigades have played a central role in celebrations, with parades, blessings of equipment and remembrance ceremonies. Today, the Austrian Fire Service considers May 4 not only St. Florian's Day but also the official Firefighters' Day.