Nüssler dances

Swiss carnival borrows ideas from Venice.

The Nüssler dances in Schwyz and neighbouring Brunnen, Steinen and Sattel are a unique tradition in the Swiss carnival world. The Nüssler are men and boys in traditional costumes, wearing masks based on characters from the Venetian Commedia dell’ Arte. They dance in small steps to the sound of drumming. Originally they handed out nuts (Nüsse), which is what gives the custom its name. (swissworld.org)