We were out in Deutsch-Wagram last night for the traditional Perchtenlauf. This is a really scary custom where figures from hell come through the smoke and the flames and walk through the marketplace ringing old bells and carrying sticks. It’s said that they come at the end of the year so that things will start out well for the new one. I tried to take some photos, but my hands were shaking and I was screaming as the figures came close and one even touched my hair. The masks and costumes are very heavy and so the figures really trundle around with their flaming torches.
