Krampus

The Krampus, counterpart of Saint Nicholas, is enjoying a comeback in many places along the South Tyrolean Wine Road.

Somehow it provides attraction. The so called Krampus is Santa’s little helper and represents the counterpart of Saint Nicholas. This scary figure usually frightens adults and children and preferably appears in groups, which is even more frightening, but somehow also fascinating. Also for children who, despite of being frightened, can’t stop looking at the evil devils and their scary masks. Of course while holding hands with their parents.

The evening of Santa’s little helper is December 5. Always have adolescents been frightening other people in the streets and often also ramped and raged in the heat of the moment. In order to keep rioting in check, several villages tried to create new concepts and initiatives for the rampaging devils. At Ora for example there is a parade for Santa’s little helpers. On this occasion associations from all over the German speaking area and their self-made masks come to Ora to visit and take part in this huge event. People from all over South Tyrol visit this devil parade.

Similar parades take place in Termeno and Caldaro. Additionally to the devil’s parade, at Termeno there is also a huge celebration in the centre of the village. In San Nicolò, Caldaro, already several weeks before the event takes place, they prepare masks. On the day of December 5, accompanied by an adult, they parade across the village with a burning carriage. And what is positive about this scaring parade is that after some time the devils take off their masks and everyone can look into their real faces.