Similar to the way carnival masks were once used to dispel winter spirits, Laupen's year-end tradition of "Achetringele" ("ringing down") is a custom intended to drive away evil spirits and demons.
It's a boisterous celebration of the winter solstice. For centuries the boys of Laupen have considered it a point of honor to banish the old year with its demons – either by donning masks and wielding brooms or by loudly ringing cowbells – and to ring in the new year.
