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ItalianoUpdated 22.12.2022
The Schellerlaufen in Nassereith has been a special carnival tradition in the outdoor region of Imst for 270 years.
Mysterious rituals, accompanied by noisy bells, the dances and jumps of the splendidly dressed mask wearers: this is what the Schellerlaufen in Nassereith feels like, a custom that is still unique in the Tyrolean Alpine region and a highlight of the carnival stronghold of Imst. For a long time, all carnival activists and friends of carnival have had to wait for this great day, after the Schellerlaufen was cancelled this year due to corona. Now everyone can look forward to 12 February 2023.
The joy of cohesion, the cultivation of customs and close-to-nature, original traditions are deeply rooted in the outdoor region of Imst - and go back some 270 years. The oldest documented mention of the Nassereither Fasnacht can be found in the "Causa Domini" of 22 March 1740, but for renowned carnival researchers and folklorists, this carnival is as old as the village itself. in 2012, the Schellerlaufen was designated an intangible UNESCO cultural heritage.
Months before the actual highlight, the day of the parade, the elaborate preparations begin. Enthusiastic participants have been rehearsing every Sunday since autumn until the day of the carnival. Because on day X, every costume, every mask and every rite must be just right before the entire entourage of figures parades through the town centre according to strictly defined, traditional rules.
One is almost reminded of the Commedia dell'Arte, when the bears, bear drivers, Scheller, Roller as well as Kehrer and numerous other masks and figures attract everyone's attention during the procession. Orderly masks, including the Spritzer, Sackner and the Kübelemaje, make way for the main masks amidst the hustle and bustle of the spectators. The Nassereither Schellerlauf is accompanied musically by witch music, followed by the witch mother and the witches. The Schnöllers crack their whips loudly to drive away the winter
To drive away the winter. Carners from the countryside also accompany the procession with their "Huamatle", the carner's wagon; the carner's father and mother are the main figures here.
The Nassereither artist Franz Josef Kranewitter gave the expressive wooden masks his unmistakable "handwriting", and his work is continued in his spirit by the Nassereither artist Irene Krismer. All these works of art are highly symbolic and are called "Lårven" in the region. And who doesn't look forward to the exciting spectacle when bear and bear driver fight to drive out winter - and let spring come?
"All over the world, Winterkehraus is celebrated with masquerade parades. Every era brings elements to Fasnacht and the beauty of it is that it is never static. It is a living tradition and a window to the past. We can be proud of that. What makes the whole thing so successful is that carnival welds us all together here," says chairman Gerhard Spielmann, who chairs the Nassereither Fasnacht Committee.
The Nassereither Schellerlaufen - an overview of all dates HERE.
You can find more details about the Schellerlaufen in Nassereith at: www.fasnacht-nassereith.at.
You can experience and learn about the fascinating variety of customs at the Schellerlaufen in Nassereith and also at the Buabefasnacht in Imst.
Plan your holiday in the outdoor region of Imst and benefit from the special carnival packages: