Carnival parade "Ausseer Flinserl"

Wrapped in wonderful garments, the "Ausseer Flinserl" parade through Bad Aussee as the spring figures of the Ausseer Carnival. They are one of the main actors in the Carnival celebrations in Ausseerland Salzkammergut and have played an essential role since the early 18th century.

During their procession, the traditional figure "Zacherl", equipped with a stick on which "Saublasen" (pig bladders) are attached, ensures the smooth running of the parade. In closed formation, accompanied by the memorable sounds of the traditional Flinserl music, the Flinserl advance to their destination. Upon arriving at the Kurhausplatz, the Flinserl finally gather and listen to the Flinserl verses recited loudly by the children. The verses are traditional quatrains with somewhat coarse formulations. The children recite these to receive nuts, fruits, and sweets as rewards from the Flinserl.

The colorful and cheerful costumes of the Flinserl are inspired by Commedia dell'arte. Made from natural linen, the elaborate Flinserl dresses are embroidered with colorful fabric patches in figurative and ornamental patterns. Among the embroideries, there are wonderful figures such as traditional pairs, dragons, Harlequin, Kasperl, and many others. Particularly, the well-known Moor's head from Venice is depicted, found on nearly every Flinserl costume. Between the figurative depictions, lozenges and ornaments intertwine in vibrant diversity. The colorful fabric patches are lavishly adorned with silver sequins (silver discs). To create such a precious dress, a seamstress needs between 1 and 1½ years, working consistently for 1 hour each day; that is, between 400 and 500 work hours. In total, there are about 100 to 120 garments.