Kinder-Egetmann-Umzug in Tramin

An ancient Carnival told by children

The Kinder-Egetmann-Umzug is a Carnival parade dedicated to children, held in Tramin an der Weinstraße, in the heart of the Bassa Atesina region in the province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige. It is the miniature version of the grand Egetmann-Umzug, one of the oldest and most fascinating Carnival rites in the entire Alpine region, with its first documented mention dating back to 1591.

A biennial tradition

The Egetmann tradition follows a precise biennial rhythm. In odd-numbered years, the streets of Tramin host the grand adult parade, while in even-numbered years—such as 2026—the stage belongs to the local children with the Kinder-Egetmann-Umzug, always held on Shrove Tuesday (Faschingsdienstag). It is a way to pass down a cultural heritage that the people of Tramin have proudly guarded for centuries.

The protagonists of the parade

Dressed in traditional historical costumes, the children take on the roles that belong to adults in the main parade. The procession is led by trumpeters, heralds (Ausschnöller), surveyors, and pathfinders; they are followed by the Schnappviecher (also known as Wudelen), the famous creatures with animal heads and mouths full of wooden teeth that produce an unmistakable clattering sound when operated by a rope. The magnificent Egetmann-Hansl wedding float, the iconic straw figure with a top hat and white gloves, is also a staple.

• The floats of the ancient workshops: the baker, the blacksmith, and the cobbler
• The famous Altweibermühle, the "old women's mill" that rejuvenates anyone who enters it
• Music, colors, and joy along the entire route in the town center

Open to girls as well

The major difference compared to the adult parade—which, by ancient tradition, is open only to men—is that girls can also participate in the Kinder-Egetmann-Umzug, making the parade even more lively and inclusive. All performers are children from the municipality of Tramin.

A landmark event in South Tyrol

Organized by the Egetmann Verein, the parade is one of the most well-known Carnival rites in southern South Tyrol and attracts families and visitors from across the region. Its roots lie in the ancient plow and harrow processions (hence the name "Egetmann," the man with the harrow), a symbol of the transition from winter to spring and the renewal of life in the farming community.