Klausjagen!

So what are all these people eagerly waiting to see?

Klausjagen (Nicholas Chase) festival takes place in the Swiss town of Küssnacht on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. It starts with the loud attention-grabbing sound of whips. 60 talented men (everyone wears white shirts) perform whipping shows. My guess is that this kills two birds with one stone. It drives away the evils spirits in town and keeps the road open so the parade can begin.

Next is a procession of men wearing Iffelen (elaborate paper hats, eluminated with candles, some 100 years old). They are silent and do their own dance through the small streets packed with 20,000 on-lookers. There were about 150 of these Iffelen and the dance/paraded around for 40 minutes. I bet the chiropractor's office is full on Monday.

Saint Nicolas himself followed the Iffelen. Note: Here, St. Nick is thin and he has outsourced his gift giving activities to the Schmutzlien. Nick also realized that if he had is own day, he wouldn't have to share it with this Christkind (so he comes on Dec 6. not Dec 25 like in the US). Nick leads a brass band playing a traditional Klaus song. In my interpretation St. Nick is leading a chase, not being chased. Because . . .

Next came a thunderous 500 strong troop of trycheln (ringing large bells which are descendants of cow bells) ringers.

Our friends noted that only men from the town of Küssnacht are allowed to participate in the Klasenjagen. I did a little math. The census stated in 2007 that there were 6800 people between 18-64, 49.3% are female, and 20% are immigrants. That means about 40% of the towns males participate. Most ring the trycheln. It is the easiest thing to do, plus you can drink and smoke (long curvy cigarettes) while you are going it.

The parade finishes with 200 cow horn blowers. The neighboring town must love this event!

60% of the town apparently goes out after the Parade for a drink. This hall was constructed (appended onto a bar) just for this evening. Drink up! Ruth and I loved the entire night. Thanks Switzerland (and our friends) for sharing. P.S. Can't wait for Ruth's video.


Ruth's Videos Below!!!


These are the whips entertaining us before the parade.

One example of the Iffelen (or Infuln) dancing down the street...

Another example of the Iffelen (or Infuln) dancing down the street...

Samichlaus was in this part of the parade somewhere, but we were much more interested in Schmutzli, all dressed in black with a white sack over his shoulder...


The Cow Bells - it is best to just listen to this video - but turn it waaaay up to experience what we did...