Salzburg Perchten Run

The Perchten are masked winter figures of Salzburg custom, linked to the Rauhnächte, the long nights between the solstice and Epiphany. The market's organizer puts their run on the big stage in front of the cathedral on 21 December, the first of those nights, at about 19:00.

Masked runners come right up to the crowd, and some will touch or crowd spectators at the front. Stand further back if you or your children don't want contact, and tell children beforehand what they'll see. Nobody should grab at the costumes or masks.