Real Life of an Expat Wife: Krampus Parade

If you know me at all, you know that I am a scaredy-cat. No seriously, it's bad. I've been known to walk out of scary movies and even get scared of scary movie trailers, which is exactly why I almost had a heart attack at the Krampus Parade in Salzburg.

For those that don't know (which is probably all of you), a Krampus is a mythical creature recognized in Alpine countries. According to legend, Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas during the Christmas season, warning and punishing bad children, in contrast to St. Nicholas, who gives gifts to good children. In the Alpine regions, Krampus is represented by a demon-like creature. Traditionally, boys and men dress up as the Krampus in Austria and Southern Bavaria during the first two weeks of December, particularly on the evening of 5 December, and roam the streets frightening children and women with rusty chains and bells. Their outfits consist of gory masks, animal horns, real animal furs from head to toe, large cow bells (so you can hear them coming), chains and cow tails for whipping purposes, and baskets on their backs.

When I was talking to my friend Gerlinde, she told me that although they seem bad, they are really cleansing your spirit of all evil so you can start off fresh for the New Year, which is why Austrian parents are okay with their children being whipped by the cow tails and chains they walk around with. Most Austrian women you talk to will not walk around the streets at night for the two weeks around "Krampus" time, as they are known to pick on women and children. Some Krampus even wear large baskets on their backs so they can frighten children by putting them in and running. Gerlinde is in her late 30s and is still frightened to death of Krampus and has told me horror stories about Krampus torturing her when she was just 6 years old. This is no joke people!!

While we were watching the parade, a little boy that was about 3 or 4 was next to us and a Krampus grabbed him and rubbed his head and he immediately started screaming and crying-- poor thing!! It really makes me wonder, what is wrong with these parents? I would never take my kid to something like this, especially at such a young age. I mentioned this to Gerlinde and she said that people bring their children so the tradition lives on. Crazy Austrians! I couldn't imagine being raised when there were no rules or enforcement like when Gerlinde was a child! Eeek!

During the Krampus Parade, each of them are numbered and there are many police officers and security guards around to make sure that things do not get out of control or so you can report them if they do. This is the only reason why I went to the parade. When they go out at night in their groups alone, you never know what may happen (and I am sure not going to find out!). Last weekend, Jason and I were walking around Alt Stadt (Old Town) and we heard the bells and you better believe I started running. So scary!!

Without further ado, here are some pictures of the parade. Keep in mind that it was pitch black and the light from Jason's camera flash doesn't make them look as creepy as they were in the complete dark.