Schemenlaufen

Schemenlaufen Review

The Schemenlaufen, (also called Fastnacht), a masked procession depicting the struggle between good and evil, usually takes place in February. Many of the magnificently carved masks worn by the mummers—especially those of the fearsome witches—are very old and qualify as works of art. A great feature of these rustic carnivals is the ringing of cowbells of all shapes, sizes, and tones, and the resulting noise is quite deafening when the procession hits its stride.

The tradition is ancient, and as in Telfs you can see many of the 100-year-old carved masks in the local museum; check with the tourist office for opening times. Strelenegasse 6, Imst, Tirol.