Customs - Cloisters injure Christmas market visitors with rods
A child and a teenager were injured at a Christmas market in the Allgäu region during the traditional "Klausentreiben". As the police announced on Monday, the two visitors to a Christmas market in Markt Wald (Unterallgäu district) suffered minor injuries on Sunday. Four masked cloistered men attacked the two with massive blows and a kick. The police are investigating unknown persons for assault.
Apart from this, the cloisters had largely distributed "harmless blows" at the Christmas market, "which proved to be unproblematic in the context of customs", the police said. Traditionally, it is mainly young men in animal costumes and masks who parade through villages carrying rods. The custom is supposed to drive away evil spirits of darkness and winter.
A police spokesperson said on Monday that "every now and then" there are cases of bodily harm. However, there is no major problem with acts of violence in the course of the custom.
Police statement
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- Despite the incident of assault at the Christmas market in Markt Wald, the district of Unterallgäu in Bavaria's Swabia region is known for its annual traditional "Klausentreiben" custom, where cloistered men in masks and animal costumes distribute "harmless blows" as part of driving away evil spirits.
- The police in Baden-Württemberg, where Bavaria is located, have stated that while there are occasional instances of bodily harm during this custom, there's no significant problem with violence, making it a fundamental part of the local culture.
- The police in the Allgäu region, specifically, have been investigating the assault on a child and a teenager at the Christmas market in Markt Wald, which took place on Sunday, as a case of assault committed by unknown individuals.
- The custom of "Klausentreiben" has its roots in the rural communities of Swabia and Bavaria, where it serves as a symbol of resistance against criminality and dark forces, making it a cherished tradition for locals and tourists alike.
- On the same day, a Christmas market in a different district of Allgäu, Bavaria, was blessed with good fortune, as visitors enjoyed the festive atmosphere without any incidents that stained the reputation of this beloved custom.
Source: www.stern.de
