Krampus run in the Channel Valley: Tradition meets eerie spectacle

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Von: WOM

The custom of the Krampuses and the Nikolo is particularly popular in the Kanal Valley. While the first Krampus run of the year took place in Tolmezzo on November 9th, the highlight of the celebrations on December 5, when the Krampuses in the streets of Tarvis and the surrounding area can be seen. Although this custom is mainly rooted in Italy and South Tyrol, he attracts numerous tourists who want to experience the eerie spectacle.

This year the traditional Kramptusteffen in Pontebba will fail on December 8th. The reason for this is traffic problems by redirecting the state road that make the streets impassable for moving. In the meantime, however, a special event will take place on December 1st in Tarvis: from 5 p.m., the Krampusse will come from the mine in Cave del Predil to celebrate at a big stake with mulled wine and the Nikolo.

Krampus photography and exhibitions

For those who would like to capture the Krampuses in photographic moments, there is a special exhibition in Udine. The photographer Roberto Masiero curated a collection entitled "K. I Diavoli delle Foreste", which deals intensively with the custom and mystical figures.

There are different groups in Italy that actively embody the Krampus around Advent. One of these groups is flagellum made of fusine, which regularly takes part in parades in different cities, including Tolmezzo and Maniago, with further appearances in December and January. The latter falls just before visiting the legendary Christmas witch Befana, which is traditionally burned on January 6th.

International Krampus traditions

Interestingly, there are also their Slovenian counterparts, the Kurenti beyond the Italian Krampuses. These characters are under protection as intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO and are different from the Krampuses, since they are particularly active during the carnival time. Martina Piko-Rustia, the head of the Urban Jarnik Volkskund Institute in Carinthia, explains that the Kurenti is wearing and have a colorful appearance.

Inslovenia also takes place, for example in podkores, where around 500 Krampuses from the Alpe-Adria room come together every year to perform an impressive spectacle. The great interest and popularity of this event has led to tickets being sold and a separate traffic management was established to cope with the many visitors.

The festive and eerie atmosphere in the region drives both locals and tourists who want to participate in this fascinating, centuries -old tradition. In today's world, Krampuses and their celebrations are not only a simple custom, but also part of a cultural exchange that connects the communities across borders. Small scenes such as this increase the awareness of regional customs and their importance in today's society, which also in a current article by www.kleinezeitung.at is discussed.