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Its origins are unknown

How long the Carnival in Imst has existed? No man can answer this question in a serious manner. The eldest known documents relating to the Fasnacht date back all the way to the 16^th and 17^th century. However, it is fair to assume that the tradition is much older than the scriptures suggest. Is it Germanic? Is it pagan? There are many theories, but no concrete proof. Oh well!

A similar approach is used when pondering about the initial reasons for the tradition: Fertility rites; the banishing of demons; the chasing away of winter, making way for the warmer seasons or one last, big celebration before lent? All theories bring valid arguments, but none of them were ever proven to be the one true explanation for the peculiar custom.

Mysticism alive

We assume a mixture of all these different theories and to that we add the innate human desire to dress up and imitate others – the rest will remain a secret either way. Inexplicable. Living mysticism in the modern age of technology, far off from genealogy and artificial intelligence. One thing is for sure: every three to five years, the citizens of Imst partake in the Fasnacht, and that with unbreakable spirits and infectious enthusiasm. The boys’ carnival takes place lodged in between two regular Fasnacht events – and it is no different from the men’s. in every case it’s colorful, quirky, dynamic and yet still strictly follows the ancient rite. The masked procession takes you through the entirety of the town, accompanied by traditional dancing and exuberant joy in combination with the serene consciousness that comes with being part of such an age-old tradition.

The noon bell

Roughly 900 male citizens of Imst actively take part in the carnival, which are around 10% of the town’s population. Not bad! In the early hours of Sunday morning, a special mass is held in the local parish church. It is a means to remember the deceased – one also lights a candle at their graves in remembrance. After that, the “Figatter” is performed in front of the church. It tells the story of an embarrassing slip up that happened to a well-known citizen of the town – all to the amusement of the countless spectators. This is followed by the “Ausrufer” (bellmen), who, accompanied by fanfares, ride through the town to declare the beginning of the Fasnacht. Beginning at half past nine, the first masked figures make their way from the lower part of town all the way to the upper part. In groups, as a pair or with a small cart that incorporates the spectators into the procession by having them complete silly tasks, they roam though the streets, followed by the big floats.

At precisely 12 o’clock, with the last chime of the church bell, it’s time for the participants to put their masks back on after a well-deserved rest. The second part of the procession, the “Umzug” has now begun, heart rate rises to 180 and the air is thick with raw emotion. Sackner, Spritzer and Kübelemaje make room for the protagonists of the carnival – Roller and Scheller, who are already waiting for their big performance. Spectators are pushed onto the pavements in a neat row, so the Roller- and Scheller-pairs can form their circle. The witches, accompanied by their music, along with the “Bärenbande” (Band of Bears) are ready for their departure. 

An “Obolus” 

The town’s brass band starts playing the infamous “Fasnachtsmarsch” (the carnival`s main theme), and the deep sound exuding from the cowbells attached to the costume of the Scheller mix with the silvery jingling of the Roller’s bells – the Fasnacht is in full swing. The “Laggepaarle” can be seen, caricatures of Roller and Scheller, as a reminder to them that they, too, will one day be just as old and wrinkly. In some places, spectators are being pulled into the procession by Roller and Scheller, a Laggepaarle or a witch and honored with a traditional dance reserved just for them. Arm in arm, the selected is then taken to a stand, and is asked to donate an “obolus” – in exchange they get a small glass mask attached to a necklace as a souvenir to the spectacle. This procedure is the greatest honor a spectator can receive – citizen of Imst or not!

Grand finale

Slowly the procession moves back down towards the lower part of the city. During a thirty-minute break for the participants, the brass band plays familiar tunes composed specifically for the Fasnacht to keep the crowds entertained that now get the chance to take a closer look at the big floats. It is now nearing 6 p.m., the bells are chiming for the vesper. Everyone, participants, and spectators rush down to assemble on the town square. One last time the adrenaline spurs on the masked men, leading to a magical, energetic end of a physically taxing day. The so-called “Zammschallen” is the spectacular final act of the Fasnacht. Everything and everyone is in motion – dancing, jumping, playing and hollering. Blisters on your feet, knee pains and an aching head? No matter! The Fasnacht is almost over, it’s deserving of this final effort, it’s a matter of honor, after all! On Monday, the Fasnacht reserved only for the citizens of Imst takes place – gone are the masks and the strict following of rites, everything is purely for joy. It was a beautiful Fasnacht once again, of course!