‘Schnappviecher,’ Salurn, Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol
The Schnappviecher are monster-like creatures that look like giant furry dragons with horns. They have huge jaws that flap open and closed, rattling in unison as they run through the streets. The loud noises they emit are used to drive away winter.
These friendly giants are some of the most beloved characters of the Salurn carnival. The Carnival of Perkeus occurs on even years and alternates with the Egetmann Parade in Tramin, another historic custom that dates back to 1591, and takes place in the odd years.
Perkeo, whose real name was Clemens Pankert, was born in 1702 in Salurn, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. His fate took a turn at 18 when he encountered Prince Charles III Philip of Wittelsbach-Neuburg during the prince’s visit to Salorno. Amused by Clemens humor and distinctive stature—he was born a dwarf—Charles invited him to serve as a court jester at his palace in Heidelberg, Germany.
Clemens Pankert had a rare form of diabetes (insipidus) that caused extreme thirst — he quenched his thirst with red wine, reportedly consuming between 20 to 30 liters daily. In Heidelberg, Clemens earned the name Perkeo due to his habit of always accepting offers of wine with the Italian phrase “Perché no?” meaning “Why not?” To the German-speaking locals, his response sounded like Perkeo, and over time, the nickname stuck. So every two years, Salorno celebrates the return of Perkeo to his hometown with a parade of wagons and chariots depicting ancient crafts of Salurn, along with the company of the chomping Schnappviecher.
These wonderful masks were created by Norman and Thomas Ventura at @amaliapernter1896 . This is the last store in Trentino Alto Adige where the Lederhosen (South Tyrolean leather trousers) are made, but you’ll also find them constructing Krampus gear, Schnappviecher and other pieces of carnival culture.
