Schemenlaufen

It's origins are unknown

Next Schemenlaufen on February 09, 2020! 

Since when has Fasnacht existed in Imst? No one can give a reliable answer to this question. The oldest known documents, referring to Fasnacht, date back to 1597 and 1610. It can be assumed however, that the tradition reaches back much further. Was it a Germanic rite? Was it pagan? There are many theories, but little scientific proof. Does it matter? The same thing holds true when you look at the various meanings ascribed to Fasnacht: fertility ritual; a noisy rite to drive off demons; chasing away winter; a last big celebration before lent? All of these explanations are equally valid, but none should be seen as exclusive.

Alive mysticism

Let’s assume a mixture of all of them and include the universal human delight in dressing up and pretending to be something else. The rest is a mystery anyway – inexplicable. It’s mysticism alive in our modern age, far removed from genetic engineering and an increasingly computerized world. One thing is for sure: every three to four years the people of Imst go to Fasnacht with unbroken enthusiasm. And between two Fasnacht events, there’s the Buabefasnacht – Fasnacht of the boys, resembling the one of men. Both of them are equally colorful, lively, full of movement but also closely regulated according to an age old ritual. It’s a masked procession through town with traditional dancing, jumping and exuberant joy, underpinned by the serious consciousness of being part of an ancient tradition.

The noon bell

Approximately 900 local men are actively involved in Schemenlaufen, which, after all, are an impressive ten per cent of the total population. On Sunday, early in the morning, a special mass is held in the Pfarrkirche parish church. People commemorate late members of the community, lighting candles on their graves. After that it’s time for the Figatter in the course of which all kinds of slip ups of local interest are reenacted to entertain the spectators. Afterwards the Ausrufer (bell men) ride through town accompanied by the Fanfarenbläser (fanfare blowers) announcing that it’s Fasnacht today. At twelve o’clock the last chime of the church bell summons the participants, who have taken a little rest in the local inns. “Put on your Larven (wooden masks), let’s go!” The procession begins, the heart rate rises to 180, pure emotion is in the air. Sackner, Spritzer, and Kübelemaje make room for the main protagonists, the Roller (jumper) and Scheller (ringer), who have already been waiting for their big entrance in the background. Spectators are pushed aside so that the Roller and Scheller pairs can form their circle, witches and the witches’ brass band get in position for their dance, and also the gang of bears is ready to leave. Starting at half past ten the participants proceed from the Unterstadt (lower town) to the Obermarkt (upper market). They walk alone or in groups, on horseback, in carriages, or on carnival floats with comical themes also involving spectators. The grand floats are on their way now.

An obolus

The town’s brass band is playing the popular Fasnachtsmarsch (carnival march), then you hear the ringing of the Schellen (bells of the Scheller) and the slight jingling of the Rollen (jingles of the Roller), and the Fasnacht is in full swing. You can also see the Laggepaare (slow pairs), who caricature the Roller and Scheller. They are slow – lagg (dialect for “tired”) – but endearing and original nevertheless. In some places the spectators are involved; Roller and Scheller, a Laggepaar or a witch with her musician pick someone from the crowd, and honor them with their dance. They link arms and the person is ushered to one of the coffers where they pay a little tribute. For that they receive a small mask or a badge in return as a little thank you. This custom, known as Einführen, is a great honor for visitors, but even more so for locals.

Grand finale

Slowly the procession moves back to the Unterstadt (lower town). While there is about half an hour rest for the participants, the town’s brass band is playing for the visitors, many of whom are taking a closer look at the floats now. It’s now turning six o’clock pm, the bells are chiming for vesper. Everyone, participants and spectators are assembled on the town square. One more adrenaline rush, the last strengths are mobilized, and in a final circle the collective energy of all participants is released one more time. The so called Z’såmmschalle (final session in which all Roller and Scheller pairs ring their bells and jingles simultaneously) is a grand finale of the Fasnacht. Everyone is in motion - jumping, dancing, turning, cheering, playing. Blistered heels, hurting knees, bruised faces? They don’t matter! Fasnacht is over, that’s the only thing that counts in this final effort, and it’s a matter of honor! On Monday there’s the Fasnacht for the people of Imst – all of the participants parade once more through town, this time in costume but without masks – a somewhat unbridled continuation of the noble event of the precious day. It’s been a wonderful Fasnacht again! That goes without saying!