The Carnival People of Absam document the history of this special tradition in an own little museum
Image gallery: Carnival Museum Absam
In the former fire station of Absam, the so-called "Spritzenhaus", the Association of the Absam Matschgerer (Carnival People of Absam) opened a small but mighty museum in the Eighties which is dedicated to these Carnival figures. The traditional figures are divided in groups and have really particular names, e.g. Alter (old man), Bär (bear), Bock (buck), "Klötzler" or "Spiegeltuxer".
Once a tradition only for adult men, Absam has also a group of young Matschgerer since the Eighties. The history of the Matschgerer dates back to the 18th century, back then a common Catholic custom in Switzerland, Germany and large parts of Austria. Already in the 19th century, masked people went from house to house, but only in the 20th century this was modified into a procession. The hustle and bustle always starts on the 18th of January, because on the 17th January 1797 the icon of the Virgin Mother appeared in Absam.
The small museum (Matschgerer-Museum Absam) shows the costumes of the Carnival figures and 200 wooden face masks: The oldest is 200 years old. Also photos and a movie tell the interesting history of the Absam Matschgerer. The procession is held every four years (the next time in 2024).
Contact info
- Stainerstrasse road 1 - 6067 - Absam
- +43 676 3849866
Opening times
Despite careful control we cannot guarantee the correctness of the provided data.
Admission
free admission
More information
Guided tours for groups on request.
Season closure in summer (July and August) and in winter (Christmas to the end of March).