Lagge

The “Laggescheller“

In Imst’s local dialect, the term “lagg” describes someone tired and weary. Maybe it’s because of the mockery, which the town is famous for, that there is a pair of masks participating in the Schemenlaufen, which endearingly caricatures of the carnival’s protagonists; the Laggeroller and the Laggescheller. They’re old and slow, “lagg”, after all. What is mighty and elegant in their younger counterparts is the contrary case for them. The gender roles are also swapped; while the mask of the Roller is feminine and flawless and the one of the Scheller is sporting a mighty moustache, the Laggeroller is the man and the Laggescheller an old woman. 

The “Laggeroller”

The precious costume of the main characters is also merely being imitated. In place of gleaming pearls are now red beans and golden corn kernels, as well as straw and dried ears of wheat – that was it for the accessories. The spiteful features of their masks signify their mocking intent. Much of the pair’s costume is left to their own fancy, as long as the material is traditional, down-to-earth and somewhat historically accurate. The “Gröll” of the roller may consist of nuts or poppy pods, instead of an apple at the top of his staff may be a turnip and his bells may be wooden – it’s all a caricature. And very, very original!