Chlausengesellschaft Menzingen

The Menzingen St. Nicholas Society is an association founded in 1996 dedicated to preserving the long tradition of St. Nicholas in Menzingen. The society organizes various events around the St. Nicholas season. It begins the year with an event in the Ochsenwald forest, where St. Nicholas crafts and decorates gingerbread with children. This is followed by a church service in the parish church and then a St. Nicholas procession accompanied by the Trychler Society (bell ringers). The main activity is the visits of St. Nicholas and his helpers, Schmutzlis, to families and senior citizens over several days in December. Membership is open to anyone who wishes to participate in the association's activities and the preservation of this custom. In addition to the traditional activities, the society also offers items for rent, such as St. Nicholas and Schmutzli costumes, or handcrafted toys like the "Trümmlig Chlaus" (a wooden toy) and the "Drahtesel" (a bicycle). There is no charge for family visits, but the society relies on voluntary donations. A fee is charged for club visits. The target group of the society includes all families and senior citizens in Menzingen who would like a visit from St. Nicholas, as well as everyone who would like to actively participate in this tradition.