70 years of Kirchseeoner Perchten: A celebration of tradition and culture!

70 years of Kirchseeoner Perchten: A celebration of tradition and culture!

The Kirchseeoner Perchten recently celebrated their 70th anniversary with an impressive anniversary run. Colorful horror figures with artistically decorated masks danced through the streets of Kirchseeon in the Ebersberg district, while several hundred onlookers marveled at the parade. The Kirchseeoner Perchtenlauf was officially declared an intangible cultural heritage in Germany in 2024. In addition, the Perchtenlauf has been part of Bavaria's intangible cultural heritage since 2022.

The tradition of the Perchtenlauf has existed since 1954 and joins other cultural traditions such as the Meistertrunk in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the Oberammergau Passion Play and traditional wood sculpture. The custom is practiced during the Rauhnächte and is mainly widespread in the Alpine region and the Bavarian Forest. Despite their scary appearance, Perchten are considered to bring good luck and blessings, ensuring that the house and farm are protected from misfortune and bringing fertility. The Perchten are also supposed to cheer people up in the dark season, as the days are getting longer again.

Intangible cultural heritage

The designation of the Kirchseeoner Perchtenlauf as an intangible cultural heritage is seen as an appreciation of the decades-long dedication to customs and as an incentive to continue the efforts. This custom was evaluated in three categories: performing arts, customs, rituals and festivals, and traditional craft techniques. The founder of the Perchtenlauf is Hans Reupold. About three years ago, the “Maskeum”, a museum for Perchten, was opened in the Kirchseeon elementary and middle school, as reported.

For more information about the intangible cultural heritage of the Kirchseeoner Perchten, visit Website of the Kirchseeoner Perchten or read the report from BR.de.

– Submitted by West-East media