An estimated 150,000 people gathered in the city's Heldenplatz (Hero's Square) to show their solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of asylum seekers who've fled their war-ravaged homelands in the Middle East.
For a city of 1.8 million, the turnout was extraordinary, well surpassing organisers' expectations.
From a stage erected before the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, prominent politicians, singers, actors, representatives of aid organizations and refugees spoke and performed before an impassioned gathering.
"Europe is a rich continent," event organisers People's Aid Austria declared. "Our wealth and security gives us the responsibility to help those who seek refuge from hunger, war and death.
"It is our duty to protect those in need. We have enough resources to give people shelter. We need to unite to show our humanity."
Syrian and Afghan refugees spoke of their traumatic experiences in their homelands and expressed gratitude to Austria for taking them in.
Acclaimed actor Harald Krassnitzer levelled sharp criticism at Europe and the West for fuelling conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan and Africa.
"Arms sales are a billion-dollar industry," Mr Krassnitzer told the crowd.
For a city of 1.8 million, the turnout was extraordinary, well surpassing organisers' expectations.
From a stage erected before the former Imperial Palace of the Habsburgs, prominent politicians, singers, actors, representatives of aid organizations and refugees spoke and performed before an impassioned gathering.
I am turning away from those who make this refugee crisis an economic or political affair.Austrian president Heinz Fischer
"It is our duty to protect those in need. We have enough resources to give people shelter. We need to unite to show our humanity."
Syrian and Afghan refugees spoke of their traumatic experiences in their homelands and expressed gratitude to Austria for taking them in.
Acclaimed actor Harald Krassnitzer levelled sharp criticism at Europe and the West for fuelling conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan and Africa.
"Arms sales are a billion-dollar industry," Mr Krassnitzer told the crowd.
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