Annual Christmas Holiday Traditions in Austria with Krampus

We first noticed this devil like creature when we were in Vienna. Next to all the Christmas decorations was this strange little fella with horns, and I thought to myself that I needed to check into what this creature might be. Maybe it was left over from Halloween, but realized Halloween is not a big holiday here, as of yet, although it is gaining in popularity. I never had a chance to look into it while we were in Vienna. So when we arrived in Salzburg, and our lovely hosts at the apartment where we were staying, suggested that we go to a festival featuring this creature in a neighboring village the next evening, we jumped at the chance. Take a look at what we found…

Krampus! They were quite a spectacle! I have never seen anything like it. The tradition goes something like this. On December 6th, St. Nicholas (who is similar to Santa Claus) and Krampus come for a visit. Children are left apples, nuts and sweets if they are good and are dragged away by Krampus to his hellish lair if they are not. So you better be good!

There are many festivals and parades called Krampuslauf, leading up to Krampusnacht, celebrated on December 6th. They usually begin at night fall and large groups, mostly young men, dress in their incredible costumes and prance down the street, stealing hats and scaring people along the way. We found ourselves at the Koppler Krampuslauf, on a snowy cold night. It was a perfect time to enjoy some delicious hot punch and the girls had the kinder punch (non-alcoholic) to keep them warm. Once the parade started we were close to the action, as it went on we moved back a little, my youngest daughter got a little scared of these beasts. She knew it was all in fun, but their costumes and actions can be pretty scary! They were amazing! To learn about and be a part of this tradition dating back to the middle ages and earlier, was an incredible treat!