Carnival in South Tyrol

Many traditional carnival customs, for example, show connections to pre-Christian rites, which are about the change of seasons from winter to spring and about fertility. Comparable festivals to carnival can also be found in the Roman Saturnalia or even earlier in Egypt or Babylon. However, the present form of carnival and the many carnival customs only took place in the Middle Ages and is always related to the subsequent fasting period.

The carnival in South Tyrol is a very special experience. The foolish, exuberant, and often wild revelry is a lot of fun for the whole family. Highlights are the many colorful parades, where the celebration is particularly lively in rural areas. In South Tyrol, visitors can also experience a whole range of old, sometimes strange, sometimes mysterious customs.

Especially in the Vinschgau, there are some quite astonishing carnival customs. For example, the "Pfluagziachn", which takes place annually in Stilfs, is an old cult game about the struggle of natural forces. The procession with oxen and plow through the village is supposed to drive away the evil spirits of winter and, on the other hand, symbolizes hope for a good, productive year.

Also, during the "Zusslrennen" on "Unsinnigen Donnerstag" in Prad am Stilfserjoch, a plow is pulled through the village. But the main characters are the "Zusseln", white-clad figures who have cowbells of various sizes strapped around them, creating a hellish noise. In this way, they drive away the winter and awaken the sleeping nature. Another mysterious custom in Prad is the "Maschgern". Various couples, the "Maschger", lead by the "Bajaz", go from inn to inn, dance, and then enjoy a meal. The name "Maschgern" probably derives from masquerade, because the performers have always been disguised.

"Fasching in Schuffa" is the carnival time in Welschnofen. Here too, the parade is the highlight of the festivities. The huge, demonic "Schnappviecher" in particular attract attention, but the other figures and masks are also impressive.

The "Schnappviecher" also appear on Shrove Tuesday in Tramin. Here we find one of the most astonishing carnival customs in South Tyrol, the Egetmann parade. The main character, the "Egetmann Hansl", a wealthy man, drives through the village in his wedding carriage, followed by all sorts of strange figures, such as the "Wild Man", the white and the green bear, the "Burgl", and many others.

The Egetmann parade only takes place in odd years, so in 2013, you can experience this spectacle in Tramin again!