Krampusnacht: What, how and where? All the info

In some parts of Germany, Krampus Night is an age-old custom. However, the tradition is not known throughout Germany

Krampusnacht – what you should know

Krampusnacht is the counterpart to St. Nicholas Day. While St. Nicholas is a lovable older gentleman with a long white beard, the Krampus is the complete opposite. Accordingly, the Krampus is not responsible for the well-behaved children, but for the naughty ones.

• Strictly speaking, Krampusnacht is a pagan custom that was banned under threat of the death penalty at the time of the burning of witches, for example. But as is the case, as soon as something is banned, it becomes even more appealing and so Krampus Night continued to be celebrated in secret.

• In Germany, Krampus Night is mainly celebrated in the southern federal states, such as Bavaria. However, Krampus is also on the move in other regions such as Austria, South Tyrol, Lichtenstein, Hungary and the Czech Republic every year on December 5.

• In many cities, such as Munich or Vienna, large Krampus parades take place. In addition to Krampus, other terrifying figures such as witches, hermits, Perchten and of course devils also parade through the streets. The Krampus parades are mainly attended by groups and it is not uncommon for well over 500 masked people to dance through the streets.

• The groups make a lot of noise with cowbells, bells and rattles. The Bartl, as the Krampus is also known, is also armed with a long birch rod. The Krampus don’t just wave it artfully in the air. Occasionally, spectators are also hit by the birch rods, so a front row seat at the Krampus parades is not always the best choice.

• Just like the carnival parades, the Krampus nights are often organized by clubs, especially in the slightly larger towns. The members spend the whole year caring for and sewing new costumes, which are often very elaborate.

The Krampus – the story behind it

As mentioned at the beginning, Krampus Night is based on a pagan custom. The demonic figure is said to spread fear and terror and the costumes are correspondingly terrifying.

• The Krampus costumes are usually made of animal skins and impressive horns complete the frightening appearance. Krampus is said to be half goat and half demon and has an endlessly long tongue. He uses it to grab newborns and bring particularly naughty children to his father.

• The father of Krampus is none other than the Norse underworld god Hel. If the cheeky children were “lucky” once again, they received a few pieces of coal or blows with a birch rod instead of presents from Santa Claus.

• The name Krampus is said to be derived from the German word Krampen. Krampen means something like claw, which fits the diabolical figure quite well. In other parts of Germany, Krampus is not so well known, but there is of course a corresponding counterpart. There, Santa Claus is accompanied by Knecht Rupprecht, who is dedicated to particularly naughty children.