Schemenlaufen, the carnival of lmst

Imst’s Carnival of Masks and Alpine Magic

2026/02/07

Once every four years, the mountain town of Imst in Tyrol, Austria, is swept up in a whirlwind of color, bells, and tradition for the Imst Masked Parade (Schemenlaufen). Recognized as one of Europe’s oldest and grandest carnivals, this UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event takes place on the Sunday before Lent. The streets of Imst become a living stage, filled with masked dancers, costumed processions, and the resonant clang of cowbells that excite all the senses. Whether you’re fascinated by folk culture and traditional festivals, a photography enthusiast, or a family looking for a winter adventure, Imst’s Schemenlaufen is a unique celebration of Alpine heritage and community spirit.

From the first ring of bells in the crisp morning air to the confetti swirling at dusk, Schemenlaufen draws visitors into a world where ancient ritual and exuberant joy collide. It’s a festival for all ages, blending the wild energy of carnival with the deep-rooted traditions of Tyrol.

Main Attractions

The Parade: Dancing Masks and a Feast of Tradition

The heart of Schemenlaufen is a grand parade featuring over 900 participants in hand-carved wooden masks and elaborate costumes. The highlight is the pairs of “Roller” (youthful, flower-crowned) and “Scheller” (older, bearded), who symbolize spring and winter, leaping and whirling to the sound of cowbells and sleigh bells in complex steps.
Other traditional characters include the comic “Sackner,” the “Kübelemajen” with wooden buckets, the witch-like “Hexen,” and the jester “Bajazzln,” each performing their own unique acts. The parade winds through the town for hours, showering spectators with confetti and sweets.

The Beauty of Masks, Costumes, and Decorations

Schemenlaufen is famous for its hand-carved wooden masks, many of which are family heirlooms passed down for generations. Costumes feature embroidered velvet, ribbons, feathers, and bells, crafted with meticulous attention to detail by local artisans. Homes and storefronts are decorated with garlands, pine branches, and colorful flags, while the air is filled with incense and the scent of pine. The soundscape is a mix of cowbells, laughter, and the rhythmic stomp of dancers’ boots on cobblestones.

Traditional Food and Warming Drinks

Between festivities, visitors warm up with mugs of mulled wine, hot punch, and cocoa. Food stalls offer Tyrolean specialties like sausages, roast pork, pretzels, and krapfen (jam-filled doughnuts), while the aroma of roasted chestnuts and spiced pastries mingles with the Alpine air. Every bite is a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.

Cultural and Historical Background

The history of Imst’s Masked Parade (Schemenlaufen) dates back to the 16th century. It originated as a pagan ritual to drive away the harsh winter and pray for spring’s bounty and good fortune. As the name suggests-“Schemen” (masks/spirits) and “laufen” (to run/dance)-masked groups would parade through the town, believed to banish evil spirits and bring prosperity to the land. These processions were vital seasonal events, expressing villagers’ prayers for survival and harmony with nature.

Over time, Schemenlaufen evolved into a carnival, blending pagan symbolism, animistic beliefs, Christian elements, and local folk culture (folklore: customs, legends, traditional arts, and community rituals passed down through generations). Each mask, costume, and dance carries unique local meanings and stories, handed down through the ages. In particular, the dance of the Roller and Scheller symbolizes the cycle of life, youth and age, spring and winter, reaffirming the community’s connection to nature’s rhythms and to one another.

For the people of Imst, Schemenlaufen is a “living tradition” that links them to their ancestors and is a source of regional pride and identity. Preparations are led by local guilds, families, and friends, who spend months carving wooden masks, sewing embroidered costumes, and rehearsing dances and performances. This collaborative effort forges bonds across generations and social groups, making the festival a special occasion that unites the entire town.

In 2012, Schemenlaufen was inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, gaining international recognition for its cultural value. Today, locals eagerly await its return every four years, welcoming visitors from around the world. For Imst, Schemenlaufen is a “bridge between past and future,” a symbol of the region’s rich culture and vitality, and an irreplaceable festival that continues to inspire pride and connection.

Participant Voices

“I came to Imst specifically for Schemenlaufen. From early morning, the entire town was decorated with colorful flags and pine branches, and the air was filled with incense and the aroma of roasted chestnuts. As the parade began, dancers in hand-carved masks and embroidered costumes whirled through the crowd, ringing bells in rhythmic steps.

During the festivities, a local family invited me to join them for schnapps at a food stall, explaining the meaning and history behind the Roller and Scheller dances, as well as the witches and jester characters. I noticed that the inside of the masks was inscribed with family names and dates, a testament to generations of pride and tradition. Every step, every mask, radiated the passion and identity of the people of Imst.”