Key Takeaways:
- The Krampuslauf, or "Krampus Run," is a centuries-old tradition in the eastern European Alps, where people dress up as the horned, devilish figure of Krampus to accompany St. Nicholas and punish naughty children.
- The event is a form of entertainment, providing a darker and more exciting contrast to the traditional visit from St. Nicholas.
- Participants, mostly men, dress up in furry costumes and masks, carrying birch branch switches to swat at onlookers, and are divided into "good cop, bad cop" roles, with St. Nicholas rewarding good children and Krampus punishing the bad ones.
- The tradition is not just about scaring children, but also about creating a sense of community and nostalgia, with many participants and onlookers cherishing the event as a childhood memory.
- The Krampus Run has evolved over time, with some participants and onlookers noting that it has become tamer, with measures in place to prevent excessive violence, such as numbered stickers on the backs of Krampuses.
Introduction to the Krampus Tradition
The city of Salzburg, Austria, is home to a unique and centuries-old tradition, the Krampuslauf, or "Krampus Run." This event takes place on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas, where hundreds of people, mostly men, dress up as the horned, devilish figure of Krampus. According to custom, Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas as he visits children and assesses their behavior from the past year. While St. Nicholas rewards the good boys and girls, Krampus punishes the bad children, providing a "good cop, bad cop" arrangement. The Krampus figure is a key part of the tradition, with participants taking on the role of the monstrous, hairy creature to terrorize children and adults alike.
The Appeal of the Krampus Run
When asked about the appeal of the Krampus Run, Alexander Hueter, self-proclaimed Überkrampus of Salzburg’s annual event, explains that it’s all about entertainment. "If St. Nicholas comes to town on his own, it’s nice," Hueter says, "but there’s no excitement. No tension. I mean, St. Nick is all well and good, but at the end of the day, people want to see something darker. They want to see Krampus." This desire for something darker and more exciting is what draws people to the Krampus Run, with many participants and onlookers eager to experience the thrill and spectacle of the event.
Preparing for the Krampus Run
As the day of the Krampus Run approaches, participants gather at a local soccer stadium to change into their Krampus costumes. The costumes are elaborate, with many featuring yak and goat hair, horns, and intricately designed masks. Roy Huber, a participant from the German state of Bavaria, explains that when the winter comes, he feels a strong urge to take on the role of Krampus. "You have the feeling under your skin," he says. "You are ready to act like a Krampus." The preparation and anticipation leading up to the event are all part of the experience, with participants eager to transform into their Krampus personas and take to the streets.
The Krampus Run in Action
As the buses carrying the Krampuses arrive in Salzburg’s old town, the participants put on their masks and get into character. The streets are filled with the sound of cowbells and the sight of Krampuses lunging at shoppers, swatting them with switches. St. Nicholas, dressed in a white and gold robe, walks at the front of the procession, handing out candy to children and maintaining a serene smile despite the chaos behind him. The scene is one of controlled chaos, with participants and onlookers alike caught up in the excitement of the event.
Reactions to the Krampus Run
As the Krampuses make their way through the streets, onlookers react with a mix of fear and amusement. Some, like Salzburg resident Rene Watziker’s 4 1/2 year-old son Valentin, are too scared to watch, while others, like Sabeine Gruber, manage to crack a smile at the spectacle. Gruber notes that the Krampus Run has gotten tamer with time, with measures in place to prevent excessive violence. Despite this, the event remains a beloved tradition, with many participants and onlookers cherishing the experience as a childhood memory.
Evolution of the Krampus Run
Over time, the Krampus Run has evolved, with some participants and onlookers noting that it has become less intense. Gruber recalls that when she was a child, the event was much more brutal, with participants being beaten so hard that they woke up with blue welts on their legs. Today, the event is more controlled, with numbered stickers on the backs of Krampuses in case someone wants to complain about being hit too hard. Despite these changes, the Krampus Run remains a unique and exciting event, one that continues to captivate participants and onlookers alike.
