The Perchtenlauf is anfascinating Alpine traditioncelebrated,especially in the Austrian winter months between Christmas and Epiphany. The Perchten are mythological figures thatwanderaround the streets withelaborately carved wooden masks and hairyclothes.
These terrifying figures have their origins in the pre-Christian traditions and gettheirnamesfrom the legendary figure of Perchta. Traditionally, the loud,wild processions were to drive away evil spirits of winter and to bring luckfor the next year. A distinction is made between the “beautiful” Perchten, who are meant to bring luck and blessings, and the “schiache” (ugly) Perchten, who are supposed to drive away evil with their demonic masks and bell-ringing.
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