Ramadan instead of the carnival - schools in Vienna will postpone the celebrations
Ramadan has triggered fresh debate in Vienna’s schools, with one principal saying the situation is worsening each year. At some schools, Fasching (Carnival) celebrations had to be postponed because the start of the fasting month coincided with the week of Shrove Tuesday.
According to the school administration, many Muslim students are choosing to fast from sunrise to sunset, even though children are officially exempt under Islamic rules. The majority of pupils at the affected middle school are Muslim. While Ramadan is discussed in religious education classes, officials say many students do not attend those lessons, making outreach difficult.
The principal described growing concerns about students’ wellbeing. Children are reportedly arriving at school tired, irritable, and unable to concentrate. In one case last year, a student collapsed during physical education. Teachers say some pupils refuse water and food offered during the school day, including healthy snacks provided at weekly events.
Social media is seen as a key influence. The school reports that videos from self-proclaimed preachers are circulating online, encouraging children to fast. Some students have even turned fasting into a competition, challenging each other to go the longest without eating. The principal also noted changes in dress, with some girls wearing special Ramadan clothing.
The school has attempted to address the issue through discussions with students and parents, suggesting alternative forms of fasting such as limiting mobile phone use. However, language barriers and strong peer dynamics complicate communication. The principal is calling for greater support from the education authorities, warning that schools are currently left to handle the growing challenges on their own.