Carnival in Axams: the famous Wampelerreiten

The Wampeler are strong men whose white shirts are filled with hay and straw. They are also equipped with a stick. Legend has it that in the past, people padded themselves with leaves when hunting bears to protect themselves from injury. The wampelers dress in a coarse, white Pfoat (shirt) made of linen and wear a red skirt over trousers, a wide leather belt, sturdy shoes and a stick - both for balance and for defense. Filled with their „Grummit“, the hay from the second mowing, they move through the village in a crouched position. At first glance, this may seem sedate, but in reality it is extremely strenuous. The course of this exhausting custom is governed by clear ("iron") rules.

The so-called riders, their opponents, have the task of attacking the wampelers from behind and throwing them onto their backs. While the attacks may only be made from behind, the wampelers can defend themselves from the front with their stick. The best wampelers are those who still have a white back after the two village rounds, which means that they have not been knocked down.

This battle symbolizes the competition between winter and spring and can sometimes be quite energetic. The Wampelerreiten traditionally ends at the inn, where the Wampeler can recover after their strenuous task. Rumor has it that the recovery phase in the inn can last a very long time ... the thirst must be quenched.

The Tuxer embodies a young, powerful and elegant man. The lively scarves, often made of silk, and the Zillertal women's hat, decorated with flowers and feathers, symbolize spring. In addition, the Tuxer carries a „Goaßl“ (whip), with which he „schnöllt“ (snaps). Through this ritual, he charmingly captures pretty girls, which is considered a special honor. A girl can "free" herself from the Tuxer with a dance or a schnapps.

The Axamer Kögelehexen are traditional carnival figures. Their outfit consists of a shawl and a silk apron, and they are complemented by the so-called „Nadln“. Compared to other witches, the masks of the „Nadln“ are characterized by somewhat softer facial features. Instead of a broom, the „Nadln“ carry a stick, also known locally as a „Hoagiler“. This is not only symbolic, but can also be used by the „Nadln“ for a light blow if necessary, especially when they are angry.

The „Altboarische Paarl“, consisting of „Weibitz und Mannitz“, presents itself in elegant clothing and accompanies the procession. They dance to the sounds of waltzes and polkas.

Covered in animal blood, animal entrails around their necks, potato teeth in their mouths, hissing and making scary noises, they creep around ... And always leading the way is "Death" - dressed in a white cloak, a wooden skull mask and a scythe over his shoulder.