What is Krampus Night in Austria?

Krampus Night (Krampusnacht) in Austria is a lively,, centuries-old Alpine tradition celebrated on the evening of December 5th, where people dress as the terrifying horned, half-goat, half-demon "Krampus" to roam the streets, often with bells and chains. As St. Nicholas's evil counterpart, Krampus parades (Krampuslauf) act as a "scared straight" ritual, chasing, mocking, and lightly whipping onlookers to punish naughty children, contrasting with the gifts St. Nicholas brings on December 6th.

What is the Krampus tradition in Austria?

In Alpine tradition, Krampus is a devil-like creature who accompanies Saint Nicholas on 6 December. In contrast to St. Nick's gift bearers, Krampus comes along with chains and a switch, looking for those children who weren't as good as they ought to have been in the past year.

What is the purpose of Krampus Night?

According to traditional narratives of Alpine folklore, the Krampus would enter the towns, lashing his chains and bells, to capture the bad children in a basket and bring them down to the underworld. The Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) would occur the evening before December 6th (St.

Why do people dress up as Krampus in Austria?

In certain traditional parades and in such events as the Krampuslauf ("Krampus run"), some young men dressed as Krampus attempt to scare the audience with their antics. Krampus is featured on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten.

Where is the best place to see Krampus in Austria?

Nicholas Day. One of the most authentic Krampus runs take place in the Gastein Valley, where around 100 groups, or Passen, participate. Each Krampus wears an elaborately carved mask made from Swiss stone pine, with horns and furs sourced from local goats and rams. As elsewhere, the shaggy figure accompanies St.

Welzenegger Krampuslauf 2022

Is Krampus good or evil?

The Alpine legend is the original bad Santa. Every year in early December, children in Austria get ready for St. Nicholas to visit them.

Do and don'ts in Austria?

Tips on culture and etiquette in Austria

• Always be punctual and avoid canceling last-minute.
• Maintain a level of reserve, formality, and politeness.
• Try not to call attention to yourself.
• Never drop by someone's house unannounced.
• If hosting a party, take your role as host seriously and see to the formalities.

What does Krampus do to adults?

Apparently created to strike terror in the hearts and minds of small children — and quite a few adults, too — Krampus traditionally carries a ruten bundle, or birch rod, to whip those who have misbehaved and chains to bind those who have strayed from the straight and narrow.

Why is Krampus scary?

The devilish companion of St. Nicholas, Krampus punishes naughty children. The half-goat, half-demon monster beats them with branches and sticks, and, in some cases, he is said to eat them or take them to hell in the basket usually strapped to his back.

Why did Krampus get banned?

Krampus was banned at various times by authorities, including the Catholic Church and fascist governments in 20th-century Austria, because his devilish appearance and menacing customs were seen as too scary for children, too pagan, or linked to socialism, with officials fearing the tradition harmed children's mental health and promoted devil worship. While suppressed, the tradition survived and has seen a major resurgence as an alternative, edgier holiday figure.
 

What does the German word Krampus mean?

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.”

Does England celebrate Krampus?

The legend of Krampus is celebrated across much of Europe, but the Whitby Krampus run was the first of its kind in the UK. Festival organisers have tailored the event to include local history and the wider Whitby community is heavily involved across the fun-filled festive weekend.

What do Germans do on the 25th and 26th of December?

On December 25th (First Christmas Day) and 26th (Second Christmas Day, Zweiter Weihnachtstag), Germans enjoy official public holidays focused on quiet family time, large festive meals with traditional foods like roast goose or carp, exchanging gifts (which often happens on Christmas Eve), and visiting relatives, with most shops remaining closed as the celebration continues after the main gift-giving on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend).
 

What do Germans do on Krampus Night?

In Alpine towns in Germany and Austria, Krampusnacht is a lively and family-friendly celebration where locals dress in elaborate Krampus costumes with hand-carved, wooden masks. These locals, typically after a session of drinking, will meet for a parade called the Krampuslauf (Krampus run).

What did Krampus do to children?

In these cultures, on the fifth of December, also known as Krampusnacht, Krampus tags along with St. Nicholas, beating misbehaving children with birch sticks or, in some cases, kidnapping them in his sack and devouring them.

What do you do on Krampus Night?

The night Krampus makes his rounds is called Krampusnacht, or "Krampus night" in English. Some cultures celebrate Krampusnacht by dressing as Krampus and holding a rowdy procession through town, according to Wipplinger. The procession is called Krampuslauf, or a "Krampus run."

Is Krampus inappropriate?

Frightening & Intense Scenes

The appearance of Krampus may frighten some viewers. Overall a bit frightening but the movie doesn't take itself too seriously. A child is swallowed alive by a big-mouthed clown. In another scene, a man is shot by evil little gingerbread men with a nail gun.

What do people dress up as during Krampusnacht in Germany?

🎄Christmas facts from around the world🎄 Day 4 – Austria & Germany. People dress up as Krampus, a half-goat, half-demon figure 😈 Parades called Krampusnacht feature costumes, bells, and plenty of mischief.

What can I not bring to Austria?

You may NOT take with you:

• Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, cigarettes.
• trucks and similar vehicles.
• items and appliances used in manufacturing.

What is the best gift from Austria?

The 10 most sought-after souvenirs from Austria

1. Viennese Sacher Cake. ...
2. Original Salzburg Mozart Balls. ...
3. Manner Schnitten. ...
4. Swarovski Crystals. ...
5. Augarten Porcelain. ...
6. Viennese Snow Globes. ...
7. Tirolean fine spirits and liqueurs. ...
8. Gmundner Keramik.

What is Austria's national dish?

Austria's national dish is the iconic Wiener Schnitzel, a thinly pounded, breaded, and pan-fried veal cutlet, famously served with a lemon wedge and traditional potato salad or parsley potatoes, though variations use pork or turkey. While Wiener Schnitzel is the definitive national choice, other popular Austrian foods include Tafelspitz (boiled beef) and sweet treats like Apfelstrudel.