Traditional St. Nicholas game in Krungl

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

Every year on December 5th , the Nikolospiel takes place in Bad Mitterndorf for over 100 years, as can be read in the local chronicle. There is still authentic tradition present. Those valuing tradition will find themselves in Bad Mitterndorf. The texts are about 100 years old and have retained their original wording to this day. Even if some of it seems difficult to understand in today’s time, the expression conveys to the listener the past of a less hectic world.

The wooden masks are frightening but exhibit human features. With over 200 years, the oldest mask is that of the Bartl. Particularly special figures are the Strohschab, who tower high into the sky with their meter-long horns and move slowly, snapping their whips in rhythm, in front of the procession. Quartiermacher, night watchmen, and Schimmelreiter open the play. The Bartl carries a hunchback 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, portrayed by two Krampuses, drag him out of the inn.

If Bishop Nikolaus has previously preached to refrain from sins and to be good, he warns again, but then leaves the spectators in the inn to the devil of marriage. This one tells how he disrupts marriages. This rhyming text particularly reflects the old and rural aspects. However, one should be somewhat cautious of the blacksmith and Habergeiß. The Nikolojäger have everything well under control and ensure order. Masks and furs are continuously renewed, yet the main figures have remained virtually unchanged for several decades.

 A visit to Bad Mitterndorf is definitely worthwhile.