Krampus Perchten Schladming Austria

KRAMPUS AND PERCHTEN
MYSTICAL TRADITIONS IN THE ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SEASON
The character of the devil Krampus has even made it to Hollywood and several Netflix series. However, this spooky creature originally comes from the Alpine region. In Tyrol in particular, the tradition of Krampus and Percht (Perchta in the first person, Perchten in German) parades is still maintained today. But only the bravest spectators dare to stand in the front row when horned men in shaggy costumes and scary wooden masks walk through towns and villages, beating drums and rattling chains to drive away the evil spirits of winter and frighten onlookers. We have prepared an overview of the most interesting and original Krampus and Percht parades in the heart of the Alps. Those who are afraid should not go to Tyrol!
Hex, “Läufer” und “Tamperer” im Tiroler Unterland
The Krampus is a horned anthropomorphic figure who, in the Central and Eastern Alpine folkloric tradition, is said to accompany Saint Nicholas on visits to children during the night of 5 December (Krampusnacht; "Krampus Night"), immediately before the Feast of St. Nicholas on 6 December. In this tradition, Saint Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with small gifts, while Krampus punishes badly behaved ones with birch rods. The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated that it may have pre-Christian origins, although historians generally consider this unlikely, as it is not attested until the 16th century. 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.
The figure has been imported into popular culture around the world, and has appeared in movies, TV shows and video games.