Vegetarian Festival in Vienna's Parliament

The event took place in the beautiful Parliament building in the centre of the city, and attracted a huge amount of people. The festival was organised by the International Vegetarian Initiative and the Green Party and it was sponsored by many of the increasing number of vegetarian shops, restaurants and cafes springing up around Vienna. More than 600 guests heard talks given by Michl Schwestka, President of the International Vegetarian Initiative, and Madeleine Petrovic of the Green Party before feasting their eyes and their stomaches on the enormous vegetarian/vegan banquet which included a staggering and extreamly tasty 6 metre long vegan, organic chocolate cake. Information stands included everything from cruelty free cleaning products to handmade vegan chocolates. The newly formed Vegan Society of Austria also made it's first appearance, informing the guests about how easy it is these days to live without animal products by displaying a range of easily available vegan foods, recipe books and non leather footwear. The International Vegetarian Initiative aims to encourage vegetarianism through information and education. This festival achieved just that: combining a representation of each important aspect of vegetarianism to give a well balanced, positive approach to the subject.