Muller, Matschgerer and Witches: The Hall-Wattens Region celebrates 100 Years of “Fasnacht”

Last updated on 15.01.2026

Exactly one hundred years ago, a public Carnival (Fasnacht) procession was mentioned for the first time in the “Tiroler Volksbote”. However, the origins of these festivities date back much further.

Every year, the villages of the Hall-Wattens region host traditional Carnival processions. According to ancient custom, these parades symbolise the victory of spring over winter, personified by the battle between the “Tuxer” and the “Zottler”.

Vibrant Carnival festivities, such as these here in Absam, have a rich tradition in the Hall-Wattens region. (c) Hall-Wattens Tourism

In the past, these Carnival activities were often deemed a public nuisance and frequently banned; despite this, the tradition was never forgotten. This resilience demonstrates how deeply rooted the custom was, and remains, in the lives of the local people. Through elaborate costumes, the participants impressively reflect the eternal struggle between good and evil, light and dark, and right and wrong.

From Farmhouse Parlours to the Streets

Originally, the duel between the Zottler and the Tuxer, or the bear and the bear-driver, took place primarily within the parlours of local farmhouses. It was not until the 20th century that the custom moved outdoors, presenting the spectacle to a wider audience. As early as 4 February 1926—exactly one hundred years ago—the “Tiroler Volksbote” newspaper reported on a “Matschgerer” procession.

Reports of the first procession date back as far as 1926 (Photo from 1930, Milser Matschgerer Archives).

To this day, Carnival has lost none of its appeal. Each year, the Matschgerer from Mils, Volders, and Absam, the Muller from Thaur, the Witches of Baumkirchen, the Wattens bell-ringers (“Schellenschlager”), and various traditional floats take part in the parade, expressing local village life in a folk-oriented and humorous manner. The event also offers a rich musical programme, with brass bands and other performers showcasing their talents.

Carnival Dates 2026

The 2026 Carnival season features two major processions as well as the traditional “Witches’ Meeting”.

Witches’ Meeting in Baumkirchen The traditional Witches’ Meeting (Hexentreff) will take place in Baumkirchen on Sunday, 18 January 2026. In addition to the Baumkirchen Witches, 20 other Carnival groups from surrounding villages will participate in the parade. This will be followed by the “Patschenball” in the community hall.

Fritzens From 30 January to 1 February 2026, the village of Fritzens will serve as the region’s Carnival hub. The highlight of this regional weekend will be the grand regional procession on Sunday, 1 February 2026 (Starting at 13:00).

Thaur On Sunday, 8 February, the Thaur “Mullerlauf” 2026 will take place at 13:00, regardless of the weather. The “Grand Mullerschaug’n” in Thaur will be held on 10 February at the “Altes Gericht”.