FUBVE
Since 1990 a group of men has organized a "Krampuslauf" in Eggersdorf, near Graz. All the masks are hand-carved in wood and the clothes are either made of common sheepskin (white) or of
"Heidschnucke" skin (brown-grey-black). The "Heidschnucke" is a sheep from Northern Germany. The first masks we carried, came from the Mürztal in Styria. Since 1998 we have bought our masks in
Matrei (Eastern Tyrol). The original "Klaubauf" Matreier masks were carved by the Trost family, commonly called "Kuroten".
The "Freizeit- und Brauchtumsverein Eggersdorf", abbreviated to "FUBVE", was founded in 1998. It is a self-supporting and politically independent union, whose main event, the "Krampuslauf", takes
place every year at the beginning of December in Eggersdorf. Since May 2000 we have been members of the "FECC" and want to improve our contacts with other groups and unions at home and abroad.
Furthermore the union also wants to revive other ancient customs or not to let them fall into oblivion in the future.
Eggersdorf at Graz
Eggersdorf is located 10 km to the east of Graz, in the Rabnitztal. It is a small town with 2000 inhabitants in the heart of the styrian hill country. In and around the town you can find: a
solar-heated public swimming pool, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, hiking and biking paths, bowling alleys, riding-schools and one ski slope. Its location is well suited for excursions to
our local mountain, the "Schöckl", to the thermal-region, to the southern styrian wine-district, to the famous "Road of the Castles" to the zoo and castle of Herberstein, to the outdoor
museum in Stübing and to the Riegersburg.
www.eggersdorf-graz.steiermark.at
Graz
The state capital Graz lies 10 km to the west of Eggersdorf. The area of Graz is about 127 km² and the city has approximately 250 000 inhabitants. The exact geographical latitude is 47°05´
and 15°27´ longitude. The average height above sea level is 368 meters. Originally Graz was first mentioned as "gradec" (small castle) in the year 1128. In 1230 it was first given the status
of a town. Graz has many sights, e.g. the "Schlossberg" (473 m), the clock tower "Uhrturm" (constructed in 1712) - landmark of the city. There is also the "Schlossbergbahn", the famous armory
"Landeszeughaus" and the city hall.
In 2003 Graz will be the 'European Cultural Capital'
http://www.graztourismus.at
Styria
Styria is the 2nd largest Austrian federal state with an area of 16 388 km km2 and approximately 1,2 Mill. inhabitants. It is called the "green heart of Austria", because 55% of the area is
forested. Further, there are approximately 3500 alpine pastures, thereby Styria is a popular destination for excursions and hiking tours. The highest mountain at 2995 meters is the "Hohe
Dachstein". Other popular destinations are the basilicas in Mariazell and in Mariatrost, Peter Roseggers "Waldheimat", the state capital Graz as well as the thermal-region to the south of
Graz and the "Styrassic Park" in Gleichenberg.
http://www.steiermark.com