For Vienna's road users, the Opera Ball also meant a detour this year. From 7pm to 11pm, the Ringstraße between Johannesgasse and Operngasse and the Kärntnerring and the Kärntnerstraße between Karlsplatz and Opernring were closed.

Smooth access for opera guests
Cyclists were allowed to avoid the closures locally. The traffic regulations enabled the ball guests to have smooth access.

Counter-demonstration by the Communist Youth
This year, the Communist Youth of Austria also called for an "Opera Ball Demo" under the motto "Eat the Rich". The participants had gathered at 7pm at the Gumpendorfer Straße U6 station and marched from there towards the opera.

Pro-Palestinian activists among the demonstrators
Pro-Palestinian activists were also among the demonstrators. In October, shortly after the Hamas attack on Israel, the Communist Youth Austria caused outrage with a post on social media. On its social media channels, the KJÖ wrote about a surprise attack by "Palestinian combat units" on "Zionist settlements" - a slap in the face for the victims.

The KPÖ then distanced itself from its own youth organization. They hastened to emphasize that terror was of course condemned. 

Flags and pyrotechnics
On Thursday evening, some Palestinian flags could be seen, reports krone.tv reporter Tanja Pfaffeneder. However, the demonstrators were largely peaceful. Later, pyrotechnics were also set off.

Police box in the opera house
Police dogs were deployed inside the opera house in advance to ensure the safety of the opera guests. The police also have a box at the ball, a so-called security box. From there, they keep an eye on everything via video surveillance and a direct view.