Krampus or Santa Claus? Concerned about changing traditions in Tyrol!

Krampus or Santa Claus? Concerned about changing traditions in Tyrol!

Innsbruck, December 4th, 2024 – The traditional Krampus season in Austria is getting a critical look. In a letter to the editor of the “Tiroler Tageszeitung”, the Tyrolean religious Martin Frank Riederer expressed his concerns about the development of these popular customs, which are originally associated with the religious figure of St. Nicholas. Santa Claus is being integrated less and less into the Krampus and Tuifl parades, which Riederer considers to be questionable. He notes that the focus is more on the “ugly and demonic” rather than the “good.” There is a danger in the matter that the real plight of the people behind major holiday entertainment often goes unnoticed, as does the rise in violent riots at some parades.

Krampus: A monster with a long history

The origins of Krampus, a horny creature from Alpine folklore associated with St. Nicholas, are deeply rooted in pre-Christian customs. Krampus, who punishes while Santa rewards, is often depicted in elaborate hand-made masks and skins. The main event, Krampusnacht, takes place on the night of December 5th. To do this, many young men dress up in impressive costumes and parade through the streets with bells, chains and birch rods, creating an unforgettable spectacle in the towns and villages, especially in the Tyrolean and Salzburg Alpine regions viennatimes.com.

While the popularity of Krampus celebrations has increased in recent years, partly boosted by social media, voices like Riederer's warn against an alienation of the original meaning. Particular attention should be paid to maintaining the authenticity of the celebrations so that the community does not just get lost in the spectacle, but continues to appreciate the deeper symbolic meaning that the Krampus represents as part of this cultural tradition.