Perchtenlauf
We already told you about the Austrian Nikolaus and Krampus tradition here. There is another similar tradition for adults: the Perchtenlauf. A Perchtenlauf is a parade of people dressed up as Perchten, which look very similar to Krampuses. The masks people wear are usually carved from wood and are majorly impressive. Every bigger town hosts a Perchtenlauf, where the Perchten parade along the major street and try to scare people. The show usually also involves some pyrotechnics and can be quite entertaining. We went to our town’s Perchtenlauf this past weekend and managed to get some great shots for you.
Here they come:
Scary!
It was a fun night!
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Comments
The Perchten are an old pagean tradition and they are meant to scare away demons and ghosts but also to punish wrong-doers. The masks can get passed down, but there are also different regional Perchten clubs, which own masks. Young men can join these clubs and either have to buy the masks or lend them from the club. Being a Percht is pretty hard work since the masks are very heavy, the costumes are hot, and a Percht has to carry around heavy accessories (like large bells).
What fascinating yet scary masks. They are so detailed. Do they get passed down through the family. Is there a story behind the perchten or is it kind of like gargoyles to scare away evil spirits.