Good cheer

Bread and wine for the people

Once the representatives of the various layers of political government had sworn allegiance to the new ruler, the banquets began. The ruling couple dined first, waited upon by the highest members of the nobility, before the various honorary officials and those of the cities and markets withdrew to their own banquet tables. Opulent dining was provided for over 300 guests in various rooms of the Hofburg.

But it was also a feast day for the commoners: they erected fountains on the Graben which spouted red and white wine and the crowds enjoyed bread rolls and roasted meats.

Homage pennies and gifts were distributed as souvenirs of the event. The provost at Klosterneuburg for instance received a set of jewels in the form of a pectoral cross and 2 rings in pink beryl to mark the occasion of hereditary homage to Maria Theresa. It can still be found in the Kosterneuburg Treasury.