Krampus Run in Keutschach escalates: 20-year-old injured!

Krampus Run in Keutschach escalates: 20-year-old injured!

On November 8, 2025, the traditional Krampus Run took place in Keutschach, during which an incident occurred that heated up emotions. The participant, a 20-year-old man, was positioned in an area protected by barriers and surrounded by spectators. He approached the audience to scare them with jerky movements, which resulted in an unexpected injury.

The situation escalated when a 62-year-old spectator grabbed Krampus by the horns of the mask and pulled it. This action resulted in the 20-year-old suffering injuries and was later taken to the UKH Klagenfurt by the rescue team. Further details about the injuries were not released, but the incident raises questions about safety at such events.

Incidents in Krampus culture

As Klick Kärnten reports, the Krampus Run is not the first event where violent incidents occur. The previous week, a Krampus parade in Zams, Tyrol escalated, resulting in 67 reports. Another incident occurred when a woman's fingertip was pinched off. This increasing violence is part of a broader discussion about the safety aspects and behavior at Krampus and Perchten runs across Austria.

According to Profil, such incidents are increasing from the beginning of December, and over 100 Krampus runs are planned in Austria for the next two weekends. The cultural and social anthropologist Gertraud Seiser deals intensively with the topic and warns against generalizations. She emphasizes that not all Krampus are brutal rioters and that the tradition has diverse origins in Austria.

Tradition and security

The figure of Krampus is traditionally associated with brutal elements. This may contribute to the increase in violence and abuse. While the parades are usually organized as commercial events, it is becoming increasingly apparent that violence is not only associated with customs, but also as part of marketing. Such incidents are often expected to occur after moves rather than during them.

Security costs for police and rescue are rising, and some Krampus clubs in Vorarlberg are having difficulty obtaining liability insurance. [Kriminalfall](https://www.kritikfall.at/bundesland/kaernten/koerpertreib-bei-krampuslauf-im-bezirk- Klagenfurt/) emphasizes that the debate about Krampus culture has become more intense, particularly as a result of reporting on acts of violence and their consequences.

Overall, Krampus culture is both criticized and in the public eye. The events surrounding the Krampus Runs not only raise questions about safety, but also address the perception and tradition of this figure and its performers. It remains to be seen how the discussion will develop in the coming winter season.