Devils and witches transform German town into stage of horror for 'Rauhnacht' run

 Fighting fire with fire or rather the devil with the devil, a town in southern Germany’s state of Bavaria celebrated the so called Rauhnacht, or Tough Night run on Sunday (December 28), a tradition which marks the twelve days between Christmas and Epiphany where in some Alpine traditions people dress up as devils, witches and other mythical beings to disperse evil spirits and winter. 

Fire, bells and other rituals can also help against mischievous creatures and unpleasant temperatures.

"People should not cut their nails or their hair during the 12-day period, they should not do their laundry because evil demons will be caught in it," said Josef Wagner from the club Altmuehltaler Mountain Devils, dedicated to preserving folk traditions such as the Rauhnacht run.

It's a tradition not just in Germany but also its neighbouring countries. 

"There are groups from the Czech Republic, from Tyrol (in Austria) and Innzell” in Bavaria, said participant Erwin Niedermeier, adding "we get together with several groups and it’s just nice being together.” 

And while the masked monsters dancing with fire are hopefully scary enough for their intended audience of evil spirits, their human audience appeared less frightened.

“I simply find it fantastic, so original. The masks are a dream. I am absolutely thrilled and I will come back,” said an elderly observer who gave her name as Waltraud Meier.

It is only the second time Beilngries hosts the run and already, 41 different groups showing up to 1,000 masks participated, according to the organiser who along with other participants was determined to drive away winter and any evil spirits with a loud and fiery goodbye.

Production: Louisa Off, Ayhan Uyanik, Michele Sani, Anna Dittrich/Reuters