Are you one of those people who is just tired of all the feel-good vibes of Christmas, all those upbeat songs, the jolly Santa in his bright red suit and the bright twinkling lights of Christmas? You might want to consider taking a trip to Austria to celebrate Krampus.
Krampus in Austria
What is Krampus?
Krampus is actually an extremely ugly demon that looks a little like a mash up between a goat, demon, and devil. He has giant horns on top of his head, a furry body, mangled and bloodied face, and bloodshot eyes. In other words, he is extremely scary!
Every year Krampus is believed to start going on the hunt around 5 December. He goes around to different houses looking for naughty children. When he finds one he punishes them by hitting them with branches and then kidnapping them. He takes the naughty children back to his lair where he plans on eating them or torturing them.
It all sounds pretty horrific doesn’t it? That is why there is a Krampus Festival.
What is the Krampus Festival?
The Krampus Festival is a celebration designed to frighten the Krampus and keep him away. It involves people from nearby cities dressing up in very realistic costumes that resemble the Krampus. These people stalk the streets and walk around the festival trying to scare people, but the festival attendees are ready. The festival attendees do everything they can to scare the Krampus lookalikes away.
Why Travel to Austria to Celebrate Krampus?
Krampus festivities and celebrations are held all around the world, but if you want to experience the Krampus Festival like it was intended you need to travel to Austria. The folk tale about Krampus originated in Austria and the country has spent decades perfecting the festival.
It might seem like a long way to travel for a celebration, but really no other place gets into the Krampus celebrating spirit like Austria. It will be a unique experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.
When are Krampus Celebrations Held?
Festivities and events are held all throughout Austria throughout the month of December. Most of the smaller villages and towns will have their festivities in the first two weeks of December. After all, they want to scare the Krampus away when he first starts coming to town.
The biggest celebrations for Krampus usually take place around the state of Tyrol. Visiting this area you can take part in Krampus celebrations every day from the first of December all the way until St. Nicholas Day.
Some of the villages and towns will have Krampus celebrations after St. Nicholas Day, but if you want to really experience the holiday make sure you are in Salzburg. Salzburg hosts the world’s biggest Krampus celebration. In fact, it is such a big deal events are held for several days!
Try something new for the Christmas season and travel to Austria to take part in Krampus. If you can’t get there this year, start planning now for next year. You won’t regret it!
