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National Customs and Folklore Treasures: Aperschnalzen (cracking of the whip), Salzburg
This tradition is native to Salzburg's Flachgau and neighboring Rupertigau. The "Aperschnalzen" is a noise-based tradition of dual significance: the loud crack of the whip is meant to drive away evil winter spirits and at the same time bring to life the hibernating nature. This tradition can be described as a "vegetation cult". The term "aper" means snow-free. The "Goasseln", or whips, which are used are up to 3.5 meters long. Alone in Salzburg's Flachgau and Rupertigau, over 100 groups with roughly 1,200 practitioners of this tradition exist today. Each year groups from Salzburg and Bavaria compare their skills at Rupertigau's whip-cracking contest.
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