Every year, a custom unique to the Alpine region takes place in Prad am Stilfserjoch. In this traditional event, ”Maschger” go through the village at carnival and move from inn to inn, dancing and joking using set rituals. When they arrive at the inns, the "Bajaz", easily recognisable by his chequered costume, ruff and colourfully-decorated pointed hat, opens the dance. With his staff he beats to the rhythm of an accordion. Behind him, eight couples wait in rows of two for their grand entrance. After "Mr and Mrs", (‘Tuxner and Tuxnerin’), it’s Zoch and Pfott’s turn. These two figures are dressed in rags and represent fertility. The exact origin of this Prad custom is unknown to this day. Historians believe it is a kind of wedding procession, because the ‘Mr and Mrs’ are dressed as a bride and groom. Others see the silent appearance of the couples as a kind of archaic dance of death.