piebstrains1's video: St Nicholas Chase Klausjagen K ssnacht 2014: 05

This longer sequence of the St Nicholas procession shows the last group of the illuminated head lanterns (of a total of over 250) prancing down the street. Then comes St Nicholas surrounded by a group of young torch-bearers. One can then already hear the monotonous music that follows. A mixed wind section with trumpets, and tubas at he end. There are over 1000 cowbell bearers (the Nicholas chasers) that follow. For the first time this year, there is a separation according to the sound these bells produce. The idea is to remain in step in order to maintain the rhythmical sound. It's not always possible with this mass of participants. Finally a group of hornists (using real cows' horns) brings up the rear of the procession. The video ends before that, though. The custom goes back to the middle ages when bad spirits were driven away by noise made from cowbells and cows' horns. The full history behind the present-day event can be found in several languages on the website of the local organizing society http://www.klausjagen.ch/brauchtum_geschichte.en.html In summary, quoting from their website: "Klausjagen is blending of the Catholic holiday with what may be a much older celebration. The whip cracking may be a remnant of an ancient celebration, which tended to get pretty rowdy. The imposition of St. Nicholas's day at the same time of year led to the unofficial custom of some local youths chasing the figure representing St. Nicholas."