Krampus: The Creepiest Christmas Creature You'll Ever Meet

The Krampus comes and punishes bad behavior. Here we go. What is the deal with this spooky tradition? And what actually is a Krampus? Krampus is basically the companion of Saint Nicholas. Nicholas comes to the good ones, Krampus comes to the rather bad ones. Leading up to Christmas, Krampus processions are a common sight in Austrian streets, like here in Salzburg. My highlight is always the first turn. You see thousands of people waiting for it for a year until it starts again. Officials enforce certain safety rules to keep things calm. What does the alcohol ban mean in front of the racetrack? No cow dung, no vines or birch roots. That doesn't exist with us. The Krampus creature is centuries old and widespread in many countries in eastern alpine regions, like Austria. The Salzburg district of Niggl is home to one of the country's most famous Krampus processions. This year 14,000 people from all over the world are lining the route and they come into close contact with more than a thousand terrifying creatures. You're already scared. I think it's fantastic. Good for the kids. Great experience to be at. The Krampus is a fun name. It's a fun picture as they say It was amazing. We had a lot of fun. Before the run, members of the Krampus Association Alk Nigla Krampus Pechtent Pass are repairing the masks. These are all unique handmade pieces. A mask like this can cost 1,000 to 2,500 euros. Smaller and larger repairs ensure that in the end everyone looks properly frightening. Below one of the masks, Krampus actor Ludwig Reiter. Shortly before the start of the run, the participants slip into their costumes. They have to lug around quite a bit. The outfit, including the mask, weighs a good 30 kilograms. The view is very limited. You have to concentrate and keep your head in motion. I don't know if you can see it, but the see slits are very, very small. You can imagine a pure tunnel view and then even smaller. You have to look closely. In this Krampus run, the audiences only swipe with horsetails. Elsewhere, Birch or Willow switches are also used. Adrenaline rises before the run because the performers immediately go at it with full physical commitment. Yes, now it's already quite a bit. Now it starts right away. There will be more and more. Our group is also getting bigger and bigger. They come from all the streets and alleys. We're going to warm up right away and then it's off. Together with his club colleagues, Ludwig sets off on the 300-meter route. With full physical effort and amidst a deafening backdrop of noise. In the end he's tired but happy. So cool, it was amazing. As you can see, the adrenaline is still going, but now it's just so nice to be able to see the children's eyes, to be able to see people's anger, it's just crazy. When the Krampus Horde is unleashed, streets like this one in Salzburg become a little lawless. If you have the opportunity, you shouldn't miss out on this tradition. Do you know of any similarly spooky customs?