In America we have the Boogieman, Mexico has the Chupacabra, The Alps have the Krampus.
In Alpine folklore Krampus works directly under Saint Nicholas aka Santa Claus and comes out during the Advent season to scare children who misbehave. Good children get sweets and bad children get beaten with birch rods.
No joke, this group of Krampusse from Val Senales that roams the ski resorts and mountain huts of the Tyrol Alps in Northern Italy and Western Austria pretty unnerving. Not sure what these skiers did to get beaten with the birch but maybe they were rude in a liftline or littered from a chairlift…tiss tiss.
ABOUT KRAMPUS:
Krampus is a mythical creature deeply rooted in Central European folklore, particularly in Alpine regions like Austria, Germany, Italy and Switzerland. Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure with demonic features, contrasting the benevolent figure of St. Nicholas. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts and treats, Krampus is said to punish misbehaving children during the Christmas season.
The Alpine Krampus tradition involves elaborate parades and events, especially on Krampusnacht, which falls on December 5th. Participants don terrifying Krampus costumes, complete with intricate masks and fur-covered suits, creating a chilling spectacle as they roam the streets. The purpose is to instill a sense of fear and discipline in the community, emphasizing the consequences of naughty behavior.
Despite its fearsome appearance, the Krampus is not purely malevolent; instead, it serves as a cultural symbol representing the dual nature of the holiday season—balancing the joy of gift-giving with the consequences of misdeeds. The tradition has experienced a resurgence in popularity, attracting both locals and tourists who participate in or witness the unique and thrilling Alpine Krampus celebrations.
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