Hörschwag is a village of 354 souls in the Swabian Jura. More than 70% of the villagers - to be precise 252 - are members of the local carnival club 'Spältlesgucker'. 154 actively dress up as witches when carnival arrives as this is their club costume.
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| Markus Schoser (left) and fellow board members |
The club's home page explains that in the middle ages it was common for people in Hörschwag to believe in witches and the last witch was sentenced to death and executed as late as in 1600. The term 'Spältlesgucker' derives from the villagers' reputation of being suspicious towards strangers and only peep through door or window cracks when strangers would cross the village.
Today's villagers seem much more open and the carnival club organises and takes part in numerous events during the carnival season. The club is also home to two dancing groups and a music band. Markus Schoser is member of the Spältlesgucker board and thus helps to keep the tradition alive.
