Krampus Parade: Hallstatt's Big, Festive Event

The Krampus Parade, or Krampuslauf, is a festival held annually in the Austrian town of Hallstatt. The event takes place in the town's market square and surrounding streets, and sees a procession of terrifyingly-clad figures celebrating the legend of Krampus. Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon figure from Central European folklore, whose purpose is to punish naughty children before the feast of Saint Nicholas. The Krampus Parade sees participants wearing scary costumes, including nightmarish masks and furry outfits, creating a spectacular and unique experience for all who attend.

Krampus is a half-man, half-goat demon

Krampus is a character from ancient folklore, born in eastern Europe, and his day marks the holidays. He is often described as Santa's antithesis or evil twin. On the 5th and 6th of December, while Santa gives presents to good children, Krampus takes care of the naughty ones.

The Krampus tradition has its roots in pre-Christian paganism in Austria and Germany. Once Christianity became the dominant belief in the region, the Krampus tradition was no longer accepted due to its relation to the Devil. However, locals eventually found a new role for Krampus as a helper to Saint Nicholas.

In modern times, Krampusnacht is celebrated with people dressing up as Krampus, drinking, and singing in the streets of some Austrian and German cities. The Krampuslauf (Krampus run) is a traditional parade where young men dressed as Krampus parade through the streets, scaring and sometimes chasing spectators. These parades take place in the main squares of villages or towns, usually situated near the main town church.

The Krampus parade in Hallstatt, Austria, takes place in the market square and the idyllic streets of Marktplatz. It features a colourful fire show with hot drinks, St. Nicholas, and devilishly good masks. The Krampus figures are part of a group called "D'Hirlatzer Teufel" (The Hirlatz Devils), who descend from the Hirlatz Cave above Hallstatt to punish the naughty and reward the good children.

Krampusnacht is celebrated on December 5th

Krampusnacht, or Krampus Night, is celebrated on December 5 every year. It is a centuries-old tradition that takes place the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of children and gift-giving. The day is based on the mythical creature Krampus, a half-demon, half-goat with fangs, horns, and a mouthful of claws. Krampus is believed to be St. Nicholas's sidekick, taking away gifts from misbehaving children and replacing them with coal and bundles of twigs called 'ruten'.

Krampusnacht is celebrated in several countries, including Germany, Austria, Croatia, and Australia, and has seen a surge in popularity in North America. The festival involves parades, known as Krampuslaufs or Krampus Runs, where people dressed as Krampus run through the streets. In some places, women dress up as Frau Perchta, a pagan goddess or Christmas witch.

In Hallstatt, Austria, the Krampus Run takes place in the Market Square and the town's idyllic streets. The event features a colourful fire show with hot drinks, St. Nicholas, and devilish masks. The legend goes that on December 5, Krampus descends from the Hirlatz Cave above Hallstatt to punish naughty children and bestow gifts upon the good ones, along with St. Nicholas. The "D'Hirlatzer Teufel" club, comprising 25 active runners and about ten volunteers, puts on a spectacular show that attracts "Krampus watchers" from all over the world.

The Krampus tradition has its roots in pre-Christian folklore and was banned under the Dolfuss government. However, it was revived after the government was removed, and it continues to be celebrated today. While the celebrations are meant to be fun, they also serve as a warning to children to behave throughout the year.

Krampus parades are free to attend

The Krampus parades are a unique and exciting experience. The Krampus are mythical creatures, half-goat and half-demon, that appear during the pre-Christmas period in the German-speaking Alps. They are accompanied by Saint Nicholas, who is dressed like a Roman Catholic bishop with a pointy hat. The Krampus come to take away the bad children, while Saint Nicholas rewards the well-behaved ones with treats.

The Krampus parades are also known as Krampus Runs, as the participants run through the streets. The Krampus are dressed in nightmarish masks and furry costumes, creating a frightening spectacle with erratic movements, dramatic gestures, and loud bells. The parades are led by Saint Nicholas, and usually consist of 20 or more Krampus. The event ends after about 20 minutes, but the Krampus will continue to walk around, catching children and rewarding them with treats.

The Krampus tradition is an old one, stemming from pre-Christian folklore in the Alps. It is a unique and exciting event that draws spectators from all over the world to the small town of Hallstatt.

Krampus masks are traditionally made from Swiss pine wood

Swiss stone pine is a lightweight wood with a pleasant scent, making it an ideal choice for mask-making. The masks are typically made by skilled artisans, who put in long hours to ensure that each mask is perfect. The masks are designed to be scary and unique, with demonic features such as spiralling horns, fangs, and red eyes.

In addition to the wood, other materials used in the construction of Krampus masks include acrylic paint, cloth, leather, and glass eyes. The head fur is usually made from goat fur, while the horns are often crafted from real horn, although artificial alternatives are sometimes used. The masks are typically secured to the wearer's head with a cushioned strap, similar to a ski boot strap, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

The Krampus mask-making tradition is an important part of Austrian culture, with around 4,000 mask carvers practising this art as a hobby or profession. The masks can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from 700 to 900 euros or more, depending on the materials used and the level of customisation. For those who cannot afford to purchase a mask, there are creative alternatives, such as finding a sponsor or being resourceful and making a mask from scratch.

The Krampus parade is a popular event in Austria, attracting people from all over the world. The participants, known as Krampuses, don these impressive masks, along with full-body fur costumes, to create a terrifying and exciting spectacle. The parades are a unique blend of tradition and modernity, combining ancient legends with electrifying music, fire shows, and other modern elements.

The Krampus parade is as big in Tyrol as Mardi Gras is in New Orleans

The Krampus parade in Tyrol has a long history and is deeply rooted in the region's culture and traditions. It is believed to have originated from pre-Christian folklore heritage in the Alps. The parade typically takes place in the main square of villages, towns, or cities, with dozens of participants and spectators. Over time, the Krampus parade has become more elaborate and spectacular, with participants spending months preparing their costumes, formations, and performances.

Similarly, in New Orleans, Mardi Gras is a major event that attracts visitors from all over the world. It is a time of celebration, parades, and festivities that reflect the city's unique culture and heritage. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is known for its vibrant costumes, music, and celebrations that take over the city's streets. The city comes alive with colourful floats, marching bands, and revelers embracing the spirit of Carnival.

Both the Krampus parade in Tyrol and Mardi Gras in New Orleans are characterised by their extravagant costumes, lively atmosphere, and deep cultural significance. They are both highly anticipated events that bring people together and offer a unique experience for participants and spectators alike. The level of dedication, creativity, and enthusiasm that goes into these celebrations showcases the importance and impact they have on their respective communities.

The Krampus parade in Tyrol and Mardi Gras in New Orleans are not just festive occasions but also carry a sense of tradition and community. They serve as a way to preserve and celebrate cultural heritage, bringing people together to share in long-standing rituals and create new memories. These events showcase the diversity and richness of cultural expressions, contributing to the social fabric of their respective regions.

Frequently asked questions