Krampusnacht
December 5, Friday
Who is Krampus
Krampus is a mythical creature from Alpine folklore, the counterpart of the benevolent Saint Nicholas. He is described as a horned, furry spirit with a long tongue and chains. In the legends, he appeared together with Nicholas: the saint rewarded good children, while Krampus frightened the naughty ones.
Origins of the holiday
The roots of Krampusnacht go back to pre-Christian, pagan rituals. The figure of Krampus is likely connected to ancient winter spirits symbolizing chaos, darkness, and trials. When Christianity spread in the Alps, these characters became part of December traditions, coexisting with Saint Nicholas.
How Krampus Night is celebrated
* famous Krampus processions (Krampuslauf) are held with masks, costumes, and torches
* people dress up in frightening outfits, using fur, horns, and handcrafted wooden masks
* festive markets and street shows are organized in towns
* Krampuses "play pranks" on participants: ringing chains, scaring passersby, and creating an atmosphere of ancient ritual
* families tell children legends about Krampus and Saint Nicholas
Interesting facts
* traditional Krampus masks are handmade by artisans and can be very expensive
* in some regions, costume contests and competitions between Krampus teams are held
* the Catholic Church repeatedly tried to ban Krampus, considering him too demonic, but the tradition persisted
* Krampusnacht has become popular worldwide today thanks to movies, series, and internet culture
Significance of the holiday
Krampus Night is a combination of ancient rituals, folk theater, and winter mysticism. It symbolizes the struggle between light and darkness, good and fear, and reminds that European traditions are full of vivid, sometimes frightening, yet profound cultural images.
Krampusnacht in other years
- 2021 December 5, Sunday
- 2022 December 5, Monday
- 2023 December 5, Tuesday
- 2024 December 5, Thursday
- 2026 December 5, Saturday