Ride of the Three Kings

Bad Ischl, Oberösterreich, Österreich

Suitable for groups

Date

05.01.2024 / 17:00- 18:00

Open air

Event location

Stadtzentrum Bad Ischl
4820 Bad Ischl

Contact

Stadtamt Bad Ischl

Pfarrgasse 11, 4820 Bad Ischl

Phone+43 6132 301-0
E-Mailinfo@stadtamt-badischl.at
Webwww.bad-ischl.ooe.gv.at

Event information

Moderation and serving at Auböckplatz:
5 p.m. Ride of the Three Kings
6 p.m. arrival of the Glöcklerpass

Another traditional winter highlight in Bad Ischl is the Ride of the "Three Kings". On 5th January, at around 5pm , the “Three Kings” ride through the town centre.

They are accompanied by torchbearers and musicians singing traditional shepherd songs from the Salzkammergut. This is a spectacular sight, especially the robes and decorations of the “Three Kings”, their companions and the horses. The Ride of the Three Kings is presented by Trachtenverein Bad Ischl and the Männergesangverein 1845 Bad Ischl.

Each year on 5th January, at around 6pm , Bad Ischl has “Glöcklerlauf”. It marks the night into Epiphany, or Twelfth Night . The name "Glöckler" derives from the word “knock” and is rooted in an old Salzkammergut tradition.

The “Glöckler”, in groups of up to 20,are led from house to house knocking on the doors and asking for a gift.

They are dressed in white, have a belt with a loud sounding bell and carry ornate headresses (called Caps) lit with candles .

The caps are intricately designed .The first cap always depicts the comet, then follow caps with ornaments, buildings and references to customs and events. The Glöcker form a line and move in the figure of 8 and a circle, symbolising infinite repetition and the eternal cycle of nature. The candles and bells are to drive away evil spirits and bring blessings on humans and animals.

In Bad Ischl there are normally around 20 Glöcker groups and around 10 groups come into the town centre.