Traditional St. Nicholas game at the Gasthof Zauchenwirt

Performance times:
5:00 p.m. Stoffbauer-Tenne in Krungl
6:15 p.m. Gasthof Zauchenwirt
7:00 p.m. Parkplatz Tauplitzalm Alpenstraße in Thörl
8:00 p.m. Hotel Grimmingblick - Terrace
9:00 p.m. Dorfplatz Bad Mitterndorf

Every year on December 5, the Nikolospiel takes place in Bad Mitterndorf, which, as can be read in the local chronicle, has been held for over 100 years. There is still genuine tradition present. Those who value tradition will find it in Bad Mitterndorf. The texts are around 100 years old and have retained their original wording to this day. Even if some parts may seem difficult to understand in today's times, the expression conveys to the listener the past of a less hectic world.

The wooden masks are terrifying but have human traits. With over 200 years, the oldest mask is that of Bartl. Particularly special figures are the Strohschab, which tower with their meter-long horns far into the sky and lumberingly stride ahead of the procession, cracking their whips in rhythm. Quartermaster, night watchman, and white horse rider open the play. The Bartl carries a humpback basket with fruit and sweets, which Bishop Nikolaus and the pastor distribute to the children. Death appears in the form of the grim reaper and stretches him to the ground. The forces of evil, represented by two Krampuses, drag him out of the tavern.

If Bishop Nikolaus has previously preached to refrain from sins and to be good, he warns anew but then leaves the audience in the tavern to the marriage devil. This one tells how he disrupts marriages. In this rhyming text, the old and rural culture is particularly reflected. One should, however, pay attention to the blacksmith and Habergeiß. The Nikolojäger have everything well under control and ensure order. While masks and furs are continuously renewed, the main characters have remained nearly unchanged for several decades.

 A visit to Bad Mitterndorf is certainly worth it.