"The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo" festival has been taking place every two years since 2012 and from 2019 onwards. This event, which is unique in the wider region, combines the tradition of marching music with modern musical styles such as pop and rock - and always in motion, sometimes precisely choreographed, sometimes dance-like. At the same time, it offers a large and very popular platform for domestic and regional music groups and artists, international formations as well as talented up-and-coming bands.
"The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo" consists of two elements: Three evening shows at the historic Schellenberg castle ruins and the "Princely Tattoo Parade", with free admission, in the traffic-free town of Vaduz (2013-2017 in Schaan).
The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo © The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo
The historic ruins of Schellenberg Castle
At the open-air shows of the "Princely Tattoo", the historic ruins of Schellenberg Castle are brought back to life. Visitors from Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria and all over Europe gather around the listed backdrop and enjoy the 2.5-hour shows and the supporting program on offer on three evenings.
You will be enthralled by breathtaking choreography, impressive dancing, traditional marching music, modern influences from rock and pop and, of course, the mystical sounds of bagpipes and drums. As different as the shows of the participating formations are, they all have one thing in common: pure emotion!
The highlight of the show is the finale, when all the participating formations take to the stage and perform selected pieces of music together.
Let the 300 or so musicians, dancers and guardsmen from all over Europe inspire you and be there when it's time to say: Ruine FREI!
The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo © The Princely Liechtenstein Tattoo
The Princely Tattoo Parade
The "Princely Tattoo Parade" has been an important part of the event since 2013. Since 2019, it has been taking place in the traffic-free town of Liechtenstein's capital Vaduz.
The "Princely Tattoo Parade" allows visitors to enjoy top-class formations - with free admission. The "Princely Tattoo Parade" is also a popular and valued platform for young musicians, music clubs and other Liechtenstein and regional associations to present themselves to a large audience. As the grand finale of the "Princely Tattoo Parade", the participants form up on Peter-Kaiser-Platz - surrounded by the government and parliament buildings - for a large, joint concert with brilliant musical power.
Following the official part of the "Princely Tattoo Parade", the participating music groups will present themselves with open-air concerts on Peter-Kaiser-Platz as well as spontaneous open-air concerts throughout the town and entertain the visitors musically. This event, unique in the wider region, combines the tradition of marching music with modern musical styles such as pop and rock - and always in motion, sometimes precisely choreographed, sometimes dance-like. At the same time, it offers a large and very popular platform for domestic and regional music groups and artists, international formations and talented up-and-coming bands.
September 5 to 7, 2024
Why tattoo
The term "tattoo" comes from the Dutch. In the 17th century, the beer tap was closed with the phrase "doe den tap toe" ("close the tap!") at the command of the commander. This signal was usually played by a drummer or piper. The English language then formed the word "tattoo" from the Dutch "Zapfenstreich". Over time, the taps strike or "tattoo" has become synonymous with music festivals.
The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Scotland is regarded as the model for all tattoos worldwide. It has been held annually on the Esplanada directly in front of Edinburgh Castle since 1950 and is by far the largest tattoo in the world, attracting over 200,000 spectators and around 100 million TV viewers worldwide.
