July 22 – 24, 1993
Along Landstraße, on the Alter Markt and, for the first time, in the newly opened Taubenmarkt arcade 420 street entertainers from over 17 countries put their talents on display. The Pflasterspektakel has now turned into an important economic factor for businesses in the center of Linz. The catering trade was naturally also keen to reap the benefits, but found itself in trouble with the local authorities after setting up stands along Landstraße for which no permit had been issued. After the Pflasterspektakel, intensive discussions were held that went on for weeks, but in the end the situation was clarified for the coming years. Thanks to information and communication, clear decision-making processes and clearly defined overall conditions it has been possible to stave off several attempts made in the course of the festival’s history to “monopolize” it or exploit it for commercial gain. It remains important for both culture and politics to protect this aspect of the festival, which is crucial to its success and ensures that the organization of the Pflasterspektakel concentrates solely on live street entertainment and its enthusiastic audiences! This was the first year that the weather gods were not in a party mood, and it rained. Interestingly, the result of the inclement weather was a new record number of visitors, 200,000, because many people who would otherwise have gone swimming decided to go into town and have a cultural session instead.
And not only that:
Conjurers, entertainers, clowns and jugglers from Australia were on the bill for the first time.
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