Witch burning

In Sillian in East Tyrol carnival ends with the Witch burning, an ancient tradition dating back to 1637 when an only 18-year old girl was burned alive on a stake after having been accused of witchcraft in a trial at the Heinfels castle. This tragic occurrence is remembered every year on Shrove Tuesday during the long carnival parade of Sillian. At the end of the parade are the floats of the court and that of the executioner. The trial is held in the main square of the village and the witch, who represents the locals, is then burnt on the stake. This event symbolises the end of the carnival period.