Carnival 2026 – Jutruchei Puchei in SalzburgerLand

Ready for the fifth season in SalzburgerLand? Carnival in Puch is so colourful!

Dear carnival revellers and those who want to become one! Every year, carnival in Puch is an absolute highlight in the Salzburg event calendar. It is the time when we in Tennengau leave everyday life behind for a moment, get creative with the preparations, slip into different roles and laugh, dance and take part in lots of fun games together. Whether you're dressed in a colourful costume, a mysterious ‘something’ or quietly observing as a ‘civilian’ at the bar – everyone is welcome in Puch, because coming together and celebrating with each other is what matters most. Even those who profess to dislike carnival should stop by, because the atmosphere is simply contagious. Join us as we celebrate the ‘fifth season’ together!

Ready for the fifth season in SalzburgerLand? Carnival in Puch is so colourful!

1. Sat, 31 January | Parish Ball: ‘Ole, ole – we're going to the World Cup’ with a guessing game & playback show
2. Sat, 14 February | Fire brigade ball: Grand raffle & mask competition
3. Sun, 15 February | Children's carnival with a Jungle Book theme, parade & party on the dance floor
4. Tue, 17 February | Bad Taste Party with 80s-90s party

„Jutruchei Puchei!

With our powerful carnival cry, we kick off the most colourful time of the year. From athletic feats on the dance floor to wild jungle adventures, there's something for everyone. I'll give you the ultimate overview of the Pucher carnival highlights, how to dress up perfectly for each event, and which carnival parties in the area you shouldn't miss!

Over 60 outfits for your party during Fasching, Carnival or Shrove Tuesday

Inspiration & tips for your perfect Fasching look 2026 in SalzburgerLand

Still haven't decided what role you want to play this year? No problem! As a self-confessed carnival pro with an attic full of costume boxes, I'm happy to help you get started and try to turn some carnival grouches into party animals. In this PUCH MAGAZINE article, I'm happy to share my most creative costume ideas for 2026 with you. I am definitely not a carnival grouch, I like to dress up so that no one recognises me, and in recent years I have spent carnival as a clown, pirate, unicorn, popcorn seller, poacher with a real bird's nest in my hair, star guest, firefighter and ninja princess, among other things. Feel free to click through the pictures to Minnie Mouse – the most elaborate costume I've ever made. 

Let's take a look at the Pucher Ball calendar together – get my tips and be inspired by the ideas and pictures (created with Gemini from Google)! Which costume is your favourite, or do you have any questions? Feel free to leave me a comment below – I look forward to hearing your ideas, because there are no limits to creativity!

1. The Parish Ball: Stadium atmosphere & star guests

When the ‘Zwoa Zylinder’ kick off on 31 January, the Kirchenwirt will be transformed into what is probably Salzburg's most atmospheric fan zone. Under the motto ‘Ole, ole – we're going to the World Cup’, the Puch parish carnival ball promises an evening that combines sporty outfits with top-class dancing. Between the rousing playback show and the tricky guessing game, there's hardly any time to catch your breath – here, we celebrate as if we've just brought the World Cup title to Puch!

Whether in an elegant ball gown, a smart suit or your favourite carnival costume – every guest is welcome at the parish ball. But if you want to get in the spirit of the sporting theme and cheer on Austria, simply grab your fan outfit from our local club, FC PUCH, or find the perfect inspiration here.

15 costume tips for World Cup heroes:

1. The title-hungry star player: A complete jersey set from your favourite team, combined with sunglasses, high socks and shiny football boots or flip-flops.
2. The incorruptible referee: A classic striped top with a whistle and yellow and red cards for all the fouls on the dance floor.
3. The lively cheerleader: A colourful outfit with glittering pom-poms to cheer on the dancing crowd at the top of your voice.
4. The frenzied sports reporter: A smart jacket with a fake press pass and an old microphone for exclusive interviews at the bar.
5. The fluffy World Cup mascot: A cosy full-body plush costume that looks truly authentic with a matching fan scarf.
6. The charming popcorn seller: A historic vendor's tray full of bulging bags creates a real stadium feeling at the ball.
7. The glamorous player's wife: Large sunglasses, designer handbag (or a chic imitation), eye-catching jewellery and an elegant look – combined with a subtle fan scarf or cap of your ‘favourite star’.
8. The nimble ball boy: A simple tracksuit or vest (overcoat), a ball under your arm and always ready to dash after the action on the dance floor.
9. The enthusiastic national coach: elegant suit or smart tracksuit, a clipboard with ‘tactical instructions’ for the dance floor and a whistle for tactical time-outs at the bar.
10. The streaker: You wear a skin-coloured morphsuit or a tight shirt with painted-on muscles, topped only by a pair of short sports shorts. Around your neck is a sign that reads: ‘I am the streaker’. You run across the dance floor from time to time (carefully, of course) – great fun for the spectators.
11. The passionate ultra fan: Several fan scarves, a loud vuvuzela, foam fingers, a face painted red, white and red, and the national flag as a cape for maximum atmosphere.
12. The eccentric President Trump: Dark suit, extremely long red tie, blonde blow-dried wig and a red cap for the ‘biggest’ appearance.
13. The living Panini sticker album: A light-coloured shirt covered with lots of player photos and ‘Wanted/Offered’ signs for the perfect swapping fun at the bar.
14. The green football pitch: Green clothing with white pitch lines painted on and a small mini goal or toy figures as headdresses.
15. The patient substitute: Coloured training bib, water bottle and a towel around the neck – always ready to be substituted onto the dance floor.
    

Matching accessories for the ‘World Cup’ theme: Whistle, yellow and red cards, referee's kit, captain's armband, goalkeeper gloves, stopwatch, clipboard for tactics, white tennis socks, high socks, sweatbands for forehead and joints, face paint in national colours, stick-on tattoos, fan scarves, flags to wear around your neck, foam fingers, vuvuzelas, ratchets, colourful flower chains, inflatable footballs, sports bags, medals, trophies and glittery pom-poms for cheerleaders.

2. The Fire Brigade Ball: An evening full of masks, dancing and great prizes

The traditional Fire Brigade Ball on 14 February invites all revellers and fancy dress enthusiasts to the legendary masked ball. Look forward to a ball night of superlatives: Party Krainer will get the dance floor rocking on Carnival Saturday, sensational prizes await you in the big raffle, and the highlight of the evening is, of course, the festive mask award ceremony after the joint polonaise through the Kirchenwirt.

There are no limits to creativity at the traditional carnival ball organised by the Puch Volunteer Fire Brigade. Of course, you are welcome to wear classic ball attire, but the ball is the perfect opportunity to dress up in a really crazy costume and mingle with the other fantastic costumes. Whether you come alone, as a couple or in a group, spectacular masks await you every year at the fire brigade ball. Maybe one of my costume tips will help you be among the winners this year?

15 costume trends for 2026: creative, mysterious & funny

1. Valentine's Day Special (Couple/Group): Since the ball is taking place on 14 February this year, dress up as ‘Cupid and his target’ or as a duo consisting of a giant rose and a gardener. A group of flaming hearts also creates a romantic atmosphere.
2. Magnificent Bridgerton Nobility (Individual/Group): The absolute trend: opulent dresses, wigs and Venetian eye masks. No one will recognise you and you'll look extremely elegant – perfect for a grand entrance.
3. Labubu / Viral Plush Creatures (Individual/Group): Oversized hoodies, fluffy elements, playful and instantly recognisable thanks to the TikTok hype.
4. The living ‘Pucher construction site’ (group): Dress up as traffic cones, barrier tape and construction workers. With flashing warning lights, you won't be overlooked on the dance floor.
5. The ‘SpaceX’ Mars expedition (individual/couple): Silver overalls, tinted visor helmets and jetpacks made from plastic bottles. A futuristic look where the face disappears completely behind the visor.
6. The ‘Wicked’ witch duo (couple): Inspired by the cinema hit: one witch in glittering pink, the other in deep emerald green with a pointed hat. Mysterious and colourful!
7. The ‘security escort’ (group): Black suits, sunglasses and walkie-talkies. You form a circle around your ‘VIP’ (perhaps an adult dressed as a baby) and keep order at the bar.
8. The ‘Golden Girls’ revival (group): Aprons, grey permed wigs and handbags. When men slip into these roles, laughter is guaranteed at the awards ceremony.
9. The ‘Mona Lisa’ & the art theft (couple): One wears a large golden picture frame around their head (as a painting), the other goes as a thief with a mask and striped shirt.
10. Weather phenomena (group): One as a thundercloud (with cotton wool and LED lightning), one as a rainbow and one as a tornado. A stormy appearance for the group.
11. The ‘invisible’ guest (individual): A suit with only a hat and glasses floating above the collar (fixed with a wire frame). A real mystery for the jury!
12. The nostalgic ‘fire brigade oldies’ (group): Historical uniforms from great-grandfather's time, with soot on their faces and an old hand pump as a prop.
13. The ‘Avatar’ forest people (couple): Completely painted blue with glowing dots on their faces and long braids. Under the party lights, this costume looks absolutely magical.
14. Overzealous parents WhatsApp group (individual): Completely normal outfit, but body covered in stick-on chat bubbles (‘Does anyone have the homework?’, ‘Can anyone give a lift?’).
15. The classics (individual/group): Witch, pirate, cowboy, princess, police officer, Asian or knight – traditional costumes always work. With the right details, they are real eye-catchers – especially in a group.
    

3. For families: Children's Carnival in Puch near Salzburg

On Carnival Sunday, the Gasthof Kirchenwirt inn is transformed into a wild jungle! The traditional Children's Carnival organised by the Puch Tourist Association starts at 2 p.m. with free admission and a colourful carnival parade through the village accompanied by the Puch brass band. Afterwards, the party really gets going on the dance floor: Look forward to fun children's games, the big mask catwalk and face painting with Glücksmomente by Tanja Grallert. Every child will also receive a free carnival doughnut (while stocks last) from the municipality. Special guests include magic clown Tommi and lucky dog Happy. We are particularly looking forward to the visit of ther Salzburger Faschingsgilde again!

Of course, every costume is welcome at the Pucher Children's Carnival – whether you come as a firefighter, princess or superhero! The theme is simply a creative guide for anyone who fancies a jungle adventure. In keeping with the ‘Jungle Book’ theme, I have collected the wildest ideas for you and your children. Whether as an individual mask or as an animal family – here are my costume tips that are guaranteed to make you stand out in the jungle of Puch.

Wild & colourful: 15 costume highlights for jungle fans of all ages:

1. The Jungle Book ensemble (group): Mowgli with a red loincloth, Baloo, Bagheera and King Louie – the perfect cast for the whole family or a group of friends.
2. The cunning Kaa (individual): An outfit with a snake pattern and a long fabric snake that is wrapped around the neck to ‘hypnotise’ the other guests.
3. The nimble leopard (individual): A soft leopard jumpsuit, plus make-up for the nose and whiskers for the perfect big cat look.
4. The cheeky monkey (individual/group): A brown jumpsuit, a long fake tail, ears on a headband and a banana as a constant companion.
5. The brave explorer (individual/pair): Safari hat, khaki waistcoat, binoculars and a stuffed chameleon on the shoulder for real jungle explorers.
6. The colourful parrot princess (individual): A magnificent dress with lots of feathers in bright colours, plus colourful glitter in the hair for a dazzling appearance.
7. The majestic jungle queen (individual): Green dress, headdress made of large leaves and tropical flowers, plus a toy snake as a royal accessory.
8. The colourful chameleon (individual): A bright green outfit combined with colourful tulle strips that seem to change colour depending on the light.
9. The tropical pineapple (individual/group): Yellow shirt with a diamond pattern and a green ‘leaf braid’ on the head – a sweet and fruity refreshment in the jungle.
10. The research expedition (group): Everyone in matching outfits with safari hats, maps in hand and a large fabric tiger in a decorated handcart.
11. The wild zebra herd (group): Black and white outfits for everyone, combined with wild wool manes – a great graphic effect during the parade!
12. Tarzan & Jane (couple): The timeless classic in leopard print and adventurer outfits for parents who want to celebrate with their ‘little monkeys’.
13. The butterfly meadow (group): The children wear colourful wings, while the parents form the perfect backdrop as giant, colourful flowers.
14. The jungle safari car (individual): A large cardboard box is painted appropriately and held in place with shoulder straps.
15. The tropical downpour (individual): A blue rain cover or cape, decorated with silver tinsel strips as ‘raindrops’. Add an umbrella with a handmade grey cloud attached to the top.

Are you also caught up in jungle fever?

The children are already looking forward to the party highlight of the year! Thank you to Puch Primary School for the great posters for the children's carnival with the theme ‘Jungle’. You all did a great job!

4. The ultimate bad taste & retro bash for all fans of the 80s and 90s!

On Shrove Tuesday, Vinisterium will be transformed into a time capsule from 2 p.m. onwards! While everyday life may return elsewhere, we'll be kicking off the party in style. We'll be celebrating the grand finale of the carnival season with a healthy dose of self-irony and the best throwback vibes. Join us for the ultimate bad taste party!

Of course, every guest is welcome, no matter what they wear. But between you and me, you'll have the most fun if you dare to go all out with your fashion choices! Since most guests will be showing up in quirky 80s or 90s looks, you'll be right in the thick of things with neon colours, crazy patterns or a mullet. Your most flamboyant retro outfit is the most authentic way to celebrate the legendary hits of ‘SCHLUGGI’! So grab some courage, lots of hairspray or the most eccentric wig you can find – and throw yourself into the hippest clothes. If you're still undecided and need ideas, take a look in the bottom drawer of your parents' wardrobe or check out my tips for your 80s/90s-style bad taste party outfit.

15 costume ideas for the perfect bad taste look

1. The classic: - the balloon tracksuit: in bright turquoise, pink and purple. The more polyester, the better!
2. Aerobics queen: neon-coloured leggings, bodysuit, headband and leg warmers (à la Jane Fonda).
3. The “mullet prole”: Short at the front, long at the back wig, paired with a ribbed undershirt and a thick gold chain.
4. 90s hiking gear: Knee-high tennis socks, paired with Adiletten and sports shorts that are far too short.
5. Ghetto blaster boy: Carry a giant cassette recorder (made of cardboard) on your shoulder.
6. Disco ball look: An outfit made entirely of sequins or reflective fabrics – you'll be the highlight of the dance floor!
7. Baywatch mermaid: A red swimsuit (often worn over jeans) with an inflatable lifebuoy.
8. Grunge rocker: Ripped jeans, a lumberjack shirt and unwashed hair – straight out of the garages of the 90s.
9. Techno raver: White gloves, a dummy around your neck, tiny sunglasses and neon make-up.
10. Gameboy / Tetris block: A large cardboard box painted to look like a classic game console or colourful brick.
11. Boy band member: Baggy trousers, a baseball cap turned backwards and a single lock of hair hanging over your face.
12. Zebra & leopard mix: Combine as many animal prints as possible that absolutely do not match.
13. Shoulder pad diva: An 80s jacket with enormous shoulder pads and backcombed hair.
14. The “tourist sinner”: Hawaiian shirt, sun hat, camera around the neck and white sun cream on the nose.
15. Roller disco star: Hot pants, colourful knee socks and (if you can stand safely) roller skates!

Accessories to match the ‘bad taste party’ theme: neon-coloured headbands and sweatbands, white tennis socks, flip-flops, colourful knee-high socks, dummy necklaces, thick plastic gold chains, XXL hoop earrings, garish scrunchies (hair ties), mesh gloves, colourful sunglasses with mirrored lenses, inflatable boomboxes, old Walkmans with headphones, Gameboys, cardboard Tetris blocks, mullet wigs, colourful flower necklaces, neon-coloured bum bags, CD shards as sequins, inflatable lifebuoys, colourful pearl necklaces and earrings, rowing shirts (undershirts) and chest hair, fake cigars or glowing cigarettes, cloth handkerchiefs, roller skates, glitter hairspray, blue make-up and brightly coloured lipsticks.

Balls, masks & parties: How to celebrate Carnival around Salzburg

Your Carnival highlights in Tennengau

Carnival is celebrated in Puch, but our neighbours in Tennengau also know how to party! If you want to experience even more confetti-filled fun, be sure to take a look at the Tennengau events calendar. Several children's carnival parties, parades, carnival balls and Gschnas await you to celebrate and dress up. 

In Kuchl in particular, they know how to celebrate carnival. One highlight is certainly the 6th night parade of the Naracucula carnival guild on Saturday, 31st January 2026 and the carnival at the ice rink on Shrove Tuesday. The traditional carnival celebrations in the old town of Hallein are also very popular with all revellers – bringing the 5th season to a close on Shrove Tuesday.

Show off your costumes: share your carnival moments with us!

Now it's your turn! What role will you be playing this year? Have you opted for the glamorous Bridgerton style or are you digging out your colourful tracksuit for the bad taste party? Do you prefer to buy a whole costume or do you like to work with friends to create the ultimate group costume for an unforgettable appearance that will leave everyone guessing?

No matter how and where you celebrate – whether at the parish ball in a football jersey, as a carnival trendsetter at the fire brigade ball, in the jungle at the children's carnival or at the wild bad taste dance at the Vinisterium: we want to see your creative outfits and look forward to your links/submissions on Instagram at @visitpuch! We'll be happy to share the funniest and most creative snapshots in our story!

Feel free to leave a comment below this post – which costume tip did you like best and are you thinking of trying it out? Or do you have any other costume tips and ideas? Then let us know in the comments!

 With that in mind: A hearty Jutruchei Puchei and have fun dressing up!

This way to Puch near Hallein: