Mils “Matschgerer Run”

“Zottler”, “Klötzler”, Witches, “Tschaggeler” – dozens of participants wearing elaborate, hand-carved masks and wonderfully designed costumes will parade down the streets of Mils during this year’s grand “Matschgerer Run”. This great and joyous Shrovetide celebration is an event not to be missed. There will be fleets of elaborately designed floats which caricature both, regional goings-on and ancient traditions. Up to 8,000 visitors will sing and dance on the streets, awaiting the appearance of the first carnival floats with their dazzling lights, bright colors and electrifying energy. Hundreds of characters, dressed up in brilliant colors to better attract the attention of the passers-by, will appear. The most characteristic mask character of this year’s event is the Bear.

This Tirolean carnival custom is deeply steeped in tradition in the rural communes east of Innsbruck, the so-called MARTHA Villages (Mühlau, Arzl, Rum, Thaur, Absam) and held at one of the villages alternately each year. Each village will be represented during the grand parade on February 04, 2024, in Mils.

The Shrovetide celebration will begin at 1:15pm. Festivities are rounded out with the traditional “Patschen Ball” at the underground car park in the village center. There will be dancing and live music by the “Alpenvagabunden” band.