Krampus run in Salzburg: Fascination and fear for the run -up to Christmas!

Krampus run in Salzburg: Fascination and fear for the run -up to Christmas!

Salzburg, Österreich - On December 5, 2024, Salzburg experiences an exciting tradition: the Krampus day! Thousands of visitors flock to the Krampus runs, in which courageous participants pull along the streets in fearsome costumes. These alpine customs combine fear and fascination and captivate young and old. While the dark shapes with their shaggy skins, booming bells and scary masks are often amazed by the spectators, they also symbolize the punishment for naughty children, as the companion of St. Nicholas. Tradition has developed over the centuries, and today numerous groups present their works of art as part of this unique celebration. Meinzirk.at reported on the impressive picture galleries of the first Krampus runs in Salzburg.

Krampus and Perchten: A fascinating duo

Krampus and Perchten are inextricably linked to the pre -Christmas period in Austria. While Krampus is known as a devilish being that distinguishes the good children from the naughty children on December 6th, there are also the Perchten. These folkloric figures occur in the Alpine regions and also symbolize the overcoming of winter. As Salzburg.info , there are different types of Perchten: the "good" beauties and the "bad" Schiachperchten, whose mask-like appearance can move the audience in horror.

traditions such as those of the Gastein Perchten, who have been on the unesco list of the intangible cultural heritage since 2011, show how deeply rooted these customs are in Austrian culture. Over 200 local groups, known as "passes", strengthen the legacy of this brave presentation, which is becoming more and more diverse over the years. The mysterious masks and sounds of the bells attract onlookers again this year, who are looking forward to experiencing the terror of the Perchten up close.