'AND OUTSIDE, ADVENT IS IN FULL SWING'
'AND OUTSIDE, ADVENT IS IN FULL SWING'
PEOPLE OF zELL AM sEE-kAPRUN: a TOUR WITH POIDL HAHN
When the snowflakes are falling and the crispness of autumn finally gives way to the icy cold of winter, when wooden huts are put up and fairy lights illuminate the darkness, when the voice of the storyteller and the melodies of the brass band bring a sense of comfort into the freezing cold air, then it's that time again - it's Advent in Zell am See-Kaprun.
“The house with the rooster above the front door” is how Poidl Hahn explains his guests the way to his place. The walls of his light-flooded living room are full of paintings, prints and art of all kinds. Hidden in every detail: his namesake, the rooster. It also adorns the cups in which he serves hot, steaming coffee.
Poidl Hahn is retired full-time and enjoys anything to do with sport, culture, and tradition part-time. “To me, sport and culture belong together. That's what keeps me going,” he explains with a laugh. “Here in Zell am See-Kaprun, I only have 850 meters to the golf course and one kilometre to the Areitbahn. I enjoy this advantage of my home most often in March - I can ski in the morning, then change at home and have a coffee before heading out for a game of golf. Where else is that possible?” As an experienced teacher, sports coach, and triathlon organiser, he is always able to keep his joy of being active alive.
His passion for culture and tradition, on the other hand, is particularly evident during Advent - this is when he can live up to his values as a storyteller on his musical Star Advent tours through Zell am See. But he is not just a storyteller - he carries the poetry of Advent through the alleyways of Zell's town centre. “It's not just about historical facts - I want to give people emotional access to the history of the town and its traditions, something they can feel.” During the tours, Poidl guides visitors through places of symbolic importance such as the town square, Seegasse, the Grand Hotel and the Star Advent on Lake Zell, always accompanied by musical interludes of Bürgermusik Zell am See. “I'm not a fan of historic dates. I want people to feel the stories that are behind the walls and places of this town. It's a privilege to be able to share and experience this, and it's nice to see that more and more locals are joining the guests every year.”
The time for coming together
“To me, Advent has never been a 'quiet time' in the sense of retreating. Advent is lively and bright - Archabbot Korbinian Birnbacher once said 'and outside, Advent is in full swing', and I often remember that during this time.”
Poidl Hahn emphasises that Advent has only been really celebrated properly in Zell am See-Kaprun for a decade: “Thanks to the Star Advent and its extension to Lake Zell, the Advent markets in Kaprun and smaller events full of atmosphere in the establishments, we have the opportunity to visit a variety of Advent markets within a few kilometres. Each in its own setting: in the alleyways of Zell's town centre, on the shimmering shores of Lake Zell, at Kaprun Castle, at Kirchbichl or at some of the region's hosts - where else can you find that? And Advent brings people together, regardless of whether they are religious or not. “To me, Advent means coming together, feeling the connectedness of the community, not just with family, but with friends, clubs and all those with whom you want to spend a good time together.”
During Advent, Poidl particularly appreciates the local musicians and craftspeople who enhance the region with traditional songs and works of art. “Guests here are not looking for what they can find anywhere, but for what makes us special. Our soul are our arts and crafts, and our regional cuisine. I would like to see us live and offer this more again - in real inns.’
‘The human scale’ - A wish for Christmas
‘We are doing so well here, and we owe this to the hard work of the generations before us, providing us with the prosperity that we have today thanks to tourism and our guests. Whether directly or indirectly, we are all linked to it. We should complain less and appreciate more.’ His philosophy is reminiscent of Leopold Kohr and his idea of the ‘human scale’.
And finally, he hopes that Advent in Zell am See-Kaprun will continue to be a time of coming together, a moment to pause and give space to silence. ‘I always say that I believe in life before death. Advent gives us the opportunity to celebrate this life with all its abundance, and to open our eyes to the good and give something back.’
With a smile and a glance towards the snow-covered Kitzsteinhorn from the living room window, Poidl Hahn has one last thought: “No generation before us has had it as good as we have. Let's take care of what we have and enjoy it even more consciously during Advent.”
TIPS
- The Sternenadvent in Zell am See-Kaprun continues until 31 December - discover the events here: to the Sternenadvent
- The best way to experience Poidl Hahn live is to visit him on his musical Sternenadvent tour in Zell am See.
