If you are travelling to Italy’s German-speaking areas this December, you may encounter considered one of Europe’s most distinctive Christmas traditions: the Krampus runs.
When most individuals consider Krampus, the horned Christmas satan from Alpine folklore, they image Austria or Bavaria. But the custom thrives in Italy’s northernmost areas, the place centuries of Austrian rule left an enduring cultural imprint.
The Krampus is a horned devil-creature from Alpine folklore whose goal is to frighten kids into behaving effectively. It’s the opposite half of a double act with San Nicola – good kids obtain sweets and items from the bishop, whereas naughty kids get coal and a thrashing with birch rods from the Krampus.
In Alto Adige, many cities and cities proceed this custom, with the Krampus – or Tuifl in South Tyrolean dialect – showing in Christmas markets and parades all through late November and early December.
READ MORE: San Nicola and the Krampus: How components of Italy have fun December sixth
The creatures are geared up with hand-carved wood masks (notably well-known are these made by woodcarvers from the Tures and Aurina valleys), goat or sheep fur (that always nonetheless has fairly a powerful scent to it) heavy bells tied across the stomach, and chains or tails.
Many cities and cities maintain a Krampuslauf – Krampus run – the place performers in scary costumes parade by way of the streets. In the previous this may very well be genuinely scary, however today it is turn out to be extra family-friendly, with performers required to register and put on quantity plates.
Where to see Krampus runs in 2025:
Dobbiaco/Toblach – Sunday, December seventh, 6pm
The oldest and largest Krampus run in South Tyrol. Around 600 Krampus from South Tyrol, Austria, Germany and Switzerland collect for this spectacular parade, which winds alongside Viale San Giovanni to the historic centre. After the parade, there is a occasion in a heated marquee. Designated Krampus-free household viewing areas can be found.
Find extra info on the native vacationer board’s web site.
Castelrotto/Kastelruth – Saturday, December thirteenth, from 2pm
One of the largest parades, held each two years. Around 52 Krampus teams with roughly 1,000 Tuifl from throughout the Alps will parade by way of the village. The festivities embrace music, meals and drinks on the Christmas market.
More info right here.
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Merano/Meran – December sixth
On the day of the Feast of San Nicola, the saint parades by way of the Christmas market and faces off with the Krampus within the city centre.
More info.
Bressanone/Brixen – December fifth, 6pm
A conventional procession the place Krampus accompany San Nicola by way of the historic outdated city. Well-behaved kids obtain sweets from the saint whereas the Krampus use their rods to “maintain order”.
More info.
Other cities with Krampus runs:
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Dates and instances can change, so it is price checking with native vacationer workplaces earlier than planning your go to.
Many smaller Christmas markets within the area additionally characteristic smaller Krampus appearances all through the season.
The custom is especially robust in areas near the Austrian border, reflecting the cultural connections between South Tyrol and neighbouring German-speaking areas – Alto Adige was a part of Austria till 1919 and stays formally bilingual right this moment.
