Carnival

The “fifth season” in Salzkammergut

When Carnival begins in Salzkammergut, costumes, masks and good spirits are on the agenda. In the weeks leading up to Lent, Fasching or Carnival is celebrated throughout Austria. Although Carnival begins on November 11, the high jinks do not start until after Epiphany. The length of Carnival depends on the date of Easter Sunday. In the various Salzkammergut regions there are differing Carnival customs and traditions to be found.

There is "Fetzen" Carnival in Ebensee, "Flinserl" Carnival in Aussee or "Häuseln" Carnival in Altmünster. At Ebensee’s Carnival, which takes place on Shrove Monday, the participants dress in so-called "Fetzen” or rags. The Fetzen are mostly old women's clothes, onto which rags are sewn. In addition, raggedy hats and intricately carved wooden masks are worn, which also look like old women. An important part of the parade is the reprimanding of the spectators.

Aussee’s "Flinserl" are very special. This custom has existed since the 18th century and is reminiscent of the Carnival of Venice in its elegance. The "Flinserl" are the counterparts of the drummer women, who parade through the streets dressed in white.The "Flinserl", on the other hand, have colourful costumes with all kinds of ornamentation and special masks called "Larve". The costumes may only be worn by locals who pass them on from generation to generation.

The "Flinserl" always maintain their mysterious Venetian attitude, but with one exception: if children cry, "Nut! Nut!" the Flinserl must open their goodie bags. But the goodies are not just handed out - before a child gets something, they have to recite one of the old, traditional Carnival stanzas flawlessly. The Flinserl Carnival at Aussee is a colourful and unique parade that does not exist anywhere else in the world.