Gidio Hosestoss

Gidio Hosestoss – a fascinating carnival tradition in Herisau and Waldstatt!

On Ash Wednesday, Gidio Hosestoss is laid out as a straw puppet on a float and led to his funeral in a carnival procession. According to the custom, in Herisau he dies every year from a stolen cookie. In Waldstatt, the cause of death is determined year by year by local schoolkids. The mourning bereaved, including his mother Eulalia Fadehäx, sit on the  small cart with their enormous masks, wiping their eyes with grief. Events of the year are often depicted on other floats. Two of the older pupils give a humorous farewell sermon as the Gidio priest and mesmer, glossing over school events and village squabbles.

Carnival activities take place in both communities on the evening of Ash Wednesday. The carnival ends in both villages with the burning of the Gidio on Funkensonntag.