Nikolaus and Tuifl Procession / Schellenrennen

A centuries-old tradition in the Vinschgau Valley

Every year on December 5th, the village of Lasa/Laas, in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol), celebrates one of the most deeply rooted customs of Alpine culture. The day combines two distinct yet complementary rituals: the Schellenrennen by day and the procession of Saint Nicholas with the Tuifl (the local devils, similar to Krampus) at nightfall. While the exact origins of the ritual are undocumented, it is believed to be rooted in ancient pagan solstice rites and the figure of the "wild man," preserved in its original form in this valley like in few other places in the Alps.

The Schellenrennen: The Cowbell Run

December 5th has always been the day of the Schellenrennen. For several hours, the village children and teenagers, covered in goat bells (Schellen) and carrying bags, noisily traverse the streets of Lasa following a fixed route that touches the town hall, the rectory, the retirement home, shops, and private residences. Along the way, residents toss them nuts, mandarins, and sweets, which the children happily collect. Keeping order are the "Robler," the oldest students in middle school, who by tradition are not allowed to collect the treats. The local schools and the hamlet of Allitz support the custom as a genuine school project: students are excused from lessons to participate, and the run concludes around 4:00 PM in the village square.

The Procession of Saint Nicholas and the Tuifl

When darkness falls, the scene changes dramatically. Wild and menacing figures emerge from the shadows: these are the Tuifl, devils wrapped in stitched goat skins and wearing hand-carved wooden masks, who precede and accompany Saint Nicholas (Nikolaus) along the village streets in a loud and evocative procession. The contrast between the benevolent figure of the Saint and the unsettling presence of the devils creates a powerful spectacle that fascinates both residents and visitors. The event is organized by the Loosr Tuifl, the local group that preserves and passes down this ancient custom.

A ritual that unites the community

Much more than a simple folkloric event, the Schellenrennen and the Tuifl procession are a defining moment for the entire community of Lasa, which is also famous throughout South Tyrol for its prized white marble. December 5th marks the beginning of the Advent season and counts down the wait for Christmas, involving both young and old in a tradition that has remained unchanged for generations.