Donauinselfest - Austria / II. Republic of Austria 2004 - 55 Euro Cent

From 25.6 to 27.6.2004 the Danube Island Festival takes place in Vienna for the 21st time. The Danube Island in Vienna is an artificial, with excavated material island between the natural Danube and the so-called relief channel, the "New Danube". The new Danube was decided in the 70s of the 20th century as a politically controversial flood protection for the city of Vienna. This newly created area with a size of approx. 270 ha of water and 390 ha of public green space offered on the one hand with its bathing beaches a new leisure and recreational space for the population of the city of Vienna and nevertheless paid attention to ecological interests with numerous biotopes. Shortly after opening the first island kilometer, a Viennese politician, Harry Kopietz, came up with the idea of ​​using this area for a big party. That was the starting signal for the first Danube Island Festival, which has developed over the years into the largest and most peaceful Open Air event in the world. Incidentally, the last kilometers of the Danube Island were only completed in 1988. Each year, not only the Viennese make their pilgrimage to the Danube Island, in 2003 there were more than 3 million visitors. 2000 artists, 300 music, theater and cabaret groups entertain visitors on approximately 16 stages of the 4.5 km long festival area between the North Bridge and the Reichsbrücke. Numerous world-famous national and international stars meet every year on the island and the fans are grateful to them. There is plenty of food and drink, 2680 m of barriers, 21 km of power cables, 400 m rubber mats, fireworks including a cloud of sound and, of course, innumerable, mostly volunteer, employees make this mega event a success. The Danube Island Festival has become a highlight of European cultural year And the best for all Viennese: the entrance to the fun is free!