Carnival customs. In the heart of Tyrol

The quiet and contemplative Christmas season is drawing to a close. And while the precious nativity scenes that have been passed down through the generations are slowly being put away again in the parlors, the colorful carnival hustle and bustle begins.

A traditional procession takes place alternately in the villages of the Hall-Wattens region, in which winter - in the form of the Zottler - is defeated by spring - embodied by the Tuxer. In earlier times, the carnival procession was considered a public nuisance. Despite many bans, it never fell into oblivion, which shows how deeply rooted this custom was and still is in popular life. The protagonists of the procession, dressed in elaborate costumes, reflect the eternal battle between good and evil, between light and dark (right and wrong) in an impressive way.

In earlier times, this interplay between Zottler and Tuxer, bear and bear driver, to name but a few, usually took place in the farmers' parlors. It was not until the 20th century that this custom began to be performed on the street and thus introduced to a wider section of the population. The Matschgererumzug was already mentioned in the Tiroler Volksbote on 04.02.1926.

The carnival has lost none of its appeal to this day. The Matschgerer from Mils and Absam, the Thaurer and Volderer Muller, Baumkirchner Hexen, Wattener Schellenschlager and various traditional floats take part in this parade every year - and present local village life in a folkloristic, humorous way. There is also plenty of music on offer when the bands and many others demonstrate their skills.

Carnival parade in the Hall-Wattens region Matschgerer parade

Fasnacht carnival in Tyrol Holidays in the fifth season

Current dates for the 2024 carnival in the Hall-Wattens region

When talking about the Tyrolean carnival, sooner or later the term "MARTHA villages" comes up:

The five villages of Mühlau, Arzl, Rum, Thaur and Absam lead from the provincial capital of Innsbruck at the foot of the Karwendel to Hall in Tirol. The term "MARTHA villages" is made up of the first letters of the villages. Incidentally, the letter "H" of the MARTHA villages refers to the Hall district of Heiligkreuz, which lies between Thaur and Absam, and not, as many assume, to Hall in Tirol.

The custom of the MARTHA villages is so culturally significant that it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site (Intangible Cultural Heritage) in 2011.

Traditional carnival figures

The Tuxer

Accompanied by music and an accordion player, they bring the cheerful carnival atmosphere after the coarse and demonic Zottler, the "sunshine". The cheerful and youthful Tuxers, but especially the Spiegeltuxers with their magnificent headdresses, are reminiscent of the festive Almabtrieb in autumn.

Carnival figure Spiegeltuxer Tyrol Austria carnival carnival

The mirror duxer

With its tall headdress weighing approx. 12 kg, surrounded by feathers and flowers and carrying a large mirror in the middle, the Spiegeltuxer embodies spring and the approaching summer. With the mirror, he drives away the evil winter spirits.

Carnival figure Tyrol The Zottler Fasching

The shredder

The harshness and cold of winter is represented by these figures. This wildness is emphasized with violent movements - stomping, trampling and dancing. With every movement, the colorful jute fringes of the robes fly high through the air. The headdress consists of peacock feathers and fur.

The Zaggeler (Tschaggeler)

These carnival figures represent autumn. The colorful robes with colorful tassels and bells are intended to keep winter from entering the country. Black rooster feathers and a hat covered with fox or hare fur form the headdress.

The Klötzler

are among the newer figures of the Matschgerer. They are basically a version of the Zottler. Instead of fringes, the Klötzer has many wooden blocks sewn on, which make a rattling noise when they jump up. Like the Tschaggeler, the Klötzler also has a willow rod.

Carnival parade carnival figure witch Tyrol

The witches

They are symbolic figures of winter and, together with the Zottler, are one of the most original figures of the Matschgerer, Huttler and Muller of the Martha villages.

Carnival figure Fleckler Tirol carnival hustle and bustle

The Fleckler

With a suit consisting of colorful patches of fabric, a pointed cap and a willow rod for catching people, the Fleckler is reminiscent of times when the clothing of ordinary people often consisted only of scraps of fabric sewn together.

Carnival parade Hall-Wattens region (40)

The bear

It is also a typical symbol of winter and causes great difficulties for its driver, who tries to train it. In the end, however, the driver defeats the bear and drives away winter.