Perchten

Any traveler who ventures into the Tirol region during Christmas time shouldn't miss the chance to participate in the pagan festivities held throughout the region; if you're fortuante, you'll come face to face with the beings known as Perchten. Don't be scared though...their traditional role is to actually chase away the demons.

According to legend ("perchten"), demons visit Tirol around Christmas time. The locals dress up as demons so when the real demons pass by the down, they'll be tricked into thinking that the town is already over-run by demons and pass on to the next town. That's how the outsmart the demons and keep their town from harm.