Intangible Cultural Heritage in Austria
The „Niglo“-procession on the eve of St. Nicholas’ Day (6 December) is a regular annual occurrence during Advent. About 30 persons participate, amongst them the night guard, the “Niglo” husband (a man in urban clothing) and the “Niglo” wife (a young woman in a white dress and a crown), several “Nigeln” (Krampuses with nymphs dressed up in fur, with clamps and rods hanging from their bodies), some angels, the devil, St. Nicholas and several supporting characters.
The procession assembles at the community centre and continues through the market to the court of the town hall, where the characters are presented on stage and the “Niglo” husband and St. Nicholas are each allowed to recite a poem. To round off the event, all children receive a small present before leaving.