42nd Perchtenmania Mallnitz 2024
On Friday, December 27, 2024 at 19:30 the Perchtenmania Mallnitz 2024 starts.
At this legendary Perchtenlauf (Krampus run) you can marvel at the masks of around 25 different associations that come to visit from near and far.
We recommend that those of a sensitive disposition stay from the second row onwards, as it can get a little scary here.
This event is definitely worth a visit.
After the Perchtenlauf, the party continues in the party tent on the village square.
On Friday, December 27, 2024 at 19:30 the Perchtenmania Mallnitz 2024 starts.
At this legendary Perchtenlauf (Krampus run) you can marvel at the masks of around 25 different associations that come to visit from near and far.
We recommend that those of a sensitive disposition stay from the second row onwards, as it can get a little scary here.
This event is definitely worth a visit.
After the Perchtenlauf, the party continues in the party tent on the village square.
Perchten group Mallnitz
The Mallnitz Perchten group was founded more than 40 years ago and looks back on a long tradition.
The Perchtenmania Mallnitz is a fixed point for guests and locals who spend their time in the Mölltal.
Last year there were 3,000 visitors to the Perchtenmania on the village square.
The Mallnitz Perchten group is one of the many associations that traditions in Mallnitz uphold. So wird in der Vorweihnachtszeit auch der Besuch vom Nikolaus und die Teilnahme an anderen Krampusläufen in der Region Mölltal abgehalten.
The Krampus and his story
As St. Nicholas’ companion, the Krampus is an integral part of the Advent season. Here in Carinthia, the figure of Krampus has merged with that of the Perchten. In Austria, for example, the first Perchten can be traced back to the 17th century, and Krampuses in St. Nicholas plays a century later. The fact that the Perchten drive away the evil winter spirits is an interpretation of Romanticism (19th century). There are different forms of this custom depending on the region. Today, the Perchten runs – especially during the Rauhnächte between Christmas and Epiphany – are an integral part of winter customs and attract locals and visitors alike.
In regions such as Carinthia and Salzburg, you can experience these spectacular processions up close. The elaborately carved wooden masks and traditional costumes, combined with bells and fire, make the Perchten an unforgettable experience. Especially Mallnitz in the Hohe Tauern National Park offers the perfect setting to experience this ancient tradition authentically – a highlight for your winter vacation in Austria.