What is Austrian Krampus parade?
The Krampus Parade is a rollicking event. It always takes place at night and the marchers are dressed in scary costumes. They resemble a cross between cavemen and Vikings, with furry costumes, demonic masks, spiraling horns, whips, and torches. Some Krampuses juggle torches or simply flick their whips at spectators.
Who is Krampus in Austria?
Krampus, in central European popular legend, a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes misbehaving children at Christmastime. He is the devilish companion of St. Nicholas. Krampus is believed to have originated in Germany, and his name derives from the German word Krampen, which means “claw.”
Why was Krampus banned?
Banned by the Nazis Anyone caught dressing up as a Krampus faced the death penalty because it was perceived as a devil figure.” Interestingly, the Nazis also banned Krampus for its pagan origins. More recently, concerns have been expressed in Austria about whether the tradition is appropriate for children.
Where do they have the Krampus parade?
Austria
Every year, during the weeks leading up to Christmas, Krampus parades are held in the alpine villages of Austria. While the tradition is over 1,500 years old, it is still practiced with much of its original excitement through the Austrian region of Tyrol.
What does Krampus look like in Austria?
The Krampus is an alarming-looking creature which appears during the Advent period in Austria (and, sometimes in different versions, in some other countries). While he was the ‘carrot’ for boys and girls to be good, the Krampus were (quite literally) the ‘stick’. ‘If you are good, Niklaus will bring you something nice.
Is Santa and Krampus friends?
In one sense, Krampus is the stuff of nightmares: a half-goat half-demon creature that beats the naughty and even takes them away. But Krampus is also a good friend of Santa and is still celebrated in some areas of Germany, Austria, Croatia, Hungary, Northern Italy, and Slovenia.
Where is the biggest Krampus celebration in Austria?
December 5 is Krampusnacht, and it will see crowds of young men dressed in scary costumes. The largest celebration in all of Austria is held in Klagenfurt. The feast of St. Nicholas (popularly known as Santa Claus) is a huge event here, and it also sees hordes of screaming Krampuses. There is also a huge Christmas market.
Where did the tradition of the Krampus parade come from?
Lienz’ annual Krampus Parade, also known as Perchtenlauf or Klaubaufe, resurrects a centuries-old tradition: Young men in town dress up as the mythical creature and parade through the streets in an ancient pagan ritual meant to disperse winter’s ghosts.
Why do people dress up as Krampus in Lienz?
Lienz’ annual Krampus Parade, also known as Perchtenlauf or Klaubaufe, resurrects a centuries-old tradition: Young men in town dress up as the mythical creature and parade through the streets in an ancient pagan ritual meant to disperse winter’s ghosts. They march dressed in fur suits and carved wooden masks and carrying cowbells.
Is the Krampus parade as big as Mardi Gras?
This festival is as big in the Tyrol as Mardi Gras is in New Orleans. In the city of Salzburg alone, over 200 parade clubs called Pässe, spend months creating parade costumes, marching formations, and party plans. It’s an understatement to say that being in a Krampus Parade takes a lot of planning.
