On December 5th a "Pass" (posse) would ...
... saunter forth from the remotest valley.
Passing through villages, ...
... walking in single file...
... down the steepest mountain...
... they arrive in Bad Gastein, crossing ...
... the bridge across the famous waterfall.
Saint Nikolo proceeds to hold a sermon, flanked by Körbler (basket-bearer) ...
... and "Engerl" (angel), the only female in this rather rowdy gang.
The "Kramperl" (devils) are still attentive and quiet...
... but will soon spring into action.
Their favourite pasttime is grabbing a young girl...
... to give her a good rubbing of snow in her face.
A new Pass arrives, and the process is repeated.
St. Nikolo asks whether the children have been good ...
... and if so, they're rewarded by the Engerl.
Two Pass’ are meeting: a highly diplomatic event, ...
... in which generous helpings of Schnaps are exchanged.
The Kramperl greet each other, too, ...
... and start a ritual of wrestling, ...
... jostling and testing their strength, ...
... after which they take off their masks, ...
... to joyously greet their opponents.
What a great social event, ...
... despite being drenched in sweat, thoroughly exhausted.
Time to visit the stately Hotel Weismayr, ...
... whose lobby has seldom seen such unruly guests.
The Kramperl try to catch naughty youngsters. However, if they get out of hand...
... there's always an authority to stop them!
That's when they look a bit sheepish.
After the chase we load up on liquid refreshments.
Another Pass arrives, ...
... this time with a very young Nikolo.
The younger Körblers dream of nothing more than ...
... becoming a Kramperl one day.
The fun and bonding ...
... is the driving force...
... which keeps this custom alive ......
... and the fire of tradition burning.
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