The pilgrimage season in Mariazell starts – and with that the store for shopkeepers in the Basilica. In the almost 200 -year -old stands there are devotional and kitsch on a few square meters. An operator tells about annoying winters, the electricity of cyclists and the lack of competitive thoughts.
The devotional stands are from Mariazell, as for most pilgrims, the desired sight of the mother’s mother. The pilgrimage started here about 700 years ago, and the first such stores have been handed out since 1400. In earlier times, in addition to souvenirs, there were also practical offers, there were services, such as Schuster, who reported the shoes of the pilgrims, Hermine Butter.
It has had different stands for 19 years. Located on the north side of the basilica, these are usually the first to open in the middle with the Rondeau in the middle. The range is colorful, from plastic candles to plastic mini-madonna to transport holy water to children’s toys and high-quality devotionals such as crosses or folding small talents.
Each square centimeter is used
“In 1827, as a result of the big fire in Mariazell, the old wooden standard burned down and was then murdered out as they exist.” The approximately eight square meters of narrow grandstands are full of goods. After opening the narrow door, the metal stores are opened, fixed on the outside and the goods are brought out of the interior: year out, year.
The crowds in the summer makes it easy to forget that there is hardly any business to do for almost half a year. In the winter there is only 35 euros in daily income. Only the Mariazeller Advent releases the situation. However, butter does not want to complain: “In principle, we are satisfied with the situation.” The summer company takes care of this.
Purchase price of up to 100,000 euros
There are currently around 30 stores that are run by six owner families and ten tenants. Even if a number is permanently closed, it is something like that with the purchase of a standard: the purchase price varies considerably from around 15,000 to 100,000 euros, depending on the condition.
“There is no real competition between the store operators. We are colleagues, everyone has embedded themselves in their niche. My neighbor has beautiful roses and Madonna, but the racer is the toy for children,” says Butter, who trusts traditional pilgrising such as high -quality back glass photos and wierook.
In addition to braking quality tourism, one thing has become noticeable in recent years: Mariazell has become a hotspot for motorcycle. The small place, especially the city center, hardly becomes the hurry – motorcycles everywhere.
“It is important that it will continue”
Hermione Butter will retire at the end of this year. “It is important for me that it continues! The basilica and the stores for it are strongly anchored in the population!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
