Is there a Krampus run in Salzburg Austria?
Krampus Run in Salzburg, Austria 2018. Though Krampus is an old legend and was banned for some time during WWII, it continues to be celebrated today. Homemade masks being worn by participants in the Krampus Run. A Krampuslauf, translating to Krampus Run, is the typical means of celebration for this macabre Christmas legend.
What do you need to know about the Krampuslauf?
Krampus and the Krampuslauf are definitely a thing. More specifically, it is a traditional Austrian procession that tells the story of a folklore tale about Krampus, an anthropomorphic creature (half-goat, half-demon) who punishes children who have misbehaved throughout the year.
Where does the Krampus procession take place in Austria?
We first saw Krampus in Graz, a city with a beautiful historic section of narrow cobblestone streets and a clock tower perched high on a hill. The Krampus procession, known as Krampuslauf, consisted of hundreds of people in elaborate costume parading down a street decorated with Christmas trees hanging upside-down overhead.
When do they celebrate Krampus mania in Austria?
From November through Epiphany (12 days after Christmas), dozens of cities, towns, and villages celebrate the rowdy spirit of Krampus. Young men, especially, fall under his spell and populate the cult of Krampus. The central event of the Tyrol’s annual Krampus mania is the Krampuslauf.
What do they do at the Krampuslauf?
A Krampuslauf will usually consist of a number of groups who have created elaborate costumes to parade. These men, women and even children will congregate within a section of designated street to show off, parade and scare children, whilst wearing their Krampus costumes.
Where do they wear Krampus costumes in Salzburg?
Local men dress in Krampus costumes made at a nearby workshop with terrifying attention to detail, and run through the streets of Salzburg. Expecting a Hollywood-type faux chainsaw-massacre event of epic proportions, I was more amused than afraid witnessing heavily-costumed Krampuses slapping passers-by on the posterior and stopping for selfies.