Customs in Tyrol

With today's winter tourism it is hard to imagine that many spring customs are intended to drive winter away. One such custom, known as "Grasausläuten", still survives to this day. Groups of men and boys go from farm to farm, crossing the meadows and fields ringing cow bells in order to speed up crop growth.

Religious processions take place in late spring and early summer. The local priest walks with the Blessed Sacrement through the blossoming nature, praying for protection against lightning and storms.

He is joined on this procession by the villagers, brass band and the "Schützen Company" (Home Guard).

The "Almabtrieb" takes place at the end of September/beginning of October. Cows adorned with magnificent headdresses and beautiful bells are driven down from the Alpine pastures. The safe home coming of the farmers and their cattle is celebrated in the villages with great festivities.

The nativity story is an important part of local custom during the advent period. For this reason, carol singers of all ages go from door to door dressed as shepherds to sing seasonal songs and read poems every Thursday evening during Advent. This tradition is known as "Anklöpfeln"and anyone can take part. The Men's Choir and members of the local brass band also perform in various locations in and around the town (church, Hotel Edenlehen, the village well at Hollenzen and the cemetary).

On the day before Epiphany a very strange custom takes place. Peculiar to upper Zillertal, local children and adults hide their faces behind a mask before going from house to house to wish the inhabitants a happy New Year in a high vocal tone. Years ago, these "Perchten" were given food in exchange for their good wishes.

This tradition is still practised today. Children go during the day and are given treats and/or money. The adults go in the evening and are given a glass of schnapps.