The Rudolfina Redoute is the oldest, most traditional ball organized by a student fraternity. Of the many Redoutes that once took place, the Rudolfina Redoute is the only one that still survives today. Redoute means “masked ball” where the ladies, who come alone or with a partner, wear a mask and can invite the men to dance. Every year on Carnival Monday (“Rosenmontag”), guests from all over the world come to the Vienna Hofburg for the Rudolfina Redoute.

All women, whether they are accompanied or not, are obliged to wear a mask. “Redoute” means masked ball, and the masks are essential for the most important aspect of the ball: only ladies who wear a mask can invite a gentleman to dance. After the de-masking Quadrille is danced, and ladies have removed their masks, both ladies and gentlemen can invite each other to dance until the ball ends at 5 a.m. As the last large ball before Lent, the Rudolfina Redoute is a glorious end to the Viennese Carnival season.