Twelfth Night Customs: Glöcklerlauf

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Austrian Twelve Nights
In rural Austria the Twelve Nights have parades of costumed characters that blow horns and crack whips to drive spirits away. In Styria, a bellringers parade called Glöcklerlauf (pron. GLUHK-luhr) takes place on January 5th. Elaborate headresses are made. On December 6th children dress up as the three kings and star and go caroling. They are rewarded with hot chocolate and gingerbread. Bonfires are lit in the Alps. (4)