The Lederhosened-Masked-Men

Sabine picked up a couple of her friends who were both brother and sister. They were so much fun to chat with and joke around with. We made it to the party; An Austrian Folk Night to celebrate Fasching. We entered the tent. It was FULL of people sitting at tables. People dressed as Witches and Trees were dancing around the tables to accordion music. They say that the witches are there to scare away the winter. They didn't know what the trees meant. We grabbed some beers, found an open table, and watched the show.

Beer Tent

Every so often there would be a break from the dancing groups of witches & trees and the dance floor would open up to everyone. When the next group came out, everyone stopped and watched. People in elaborate costumes filled the room a what I can best describe as "Yodelers" (or men in lederhosen with masks on). There was one rule I was told: When a dancer comes up to you and slaps you on the back he will give you a flask; you must drink. The guy next to us must have been slapped 6-8 times over the course of the night.

Dancing

Drinking

During the second performance a lederhosened-masked-man comes up to me, points at me, does a dance, yodels, and slaps me on the back. He offers me a flask and I drink. It was fantastic!!! I turned to Sabine and said, "Thank you for taking me here! I'm having so much fun!" The next thing I do is turn around and there is another one.....A lederhosened-masked-man and his flask of God knows what. The night was most enjoyable!

Sabine and I

As I lay in bed that night I thought about the exciting day I had. I also thought about the wonderful bologna that I would get to eat in the morning.