Beware when you hit the streets
If you think Sinterklaas is only celebrated in the Netherlands, you are wrong. Not only our southern neighbours celebrate Sinterklaas, but the good saint also arrives in some Alpine countries. In the Alps, he is assisted by not a friendly sidekick, but something terrifying: Krampus.
What is a Krampus?
Saint Nicholas (called Nicolo or Nikolausi in Austria) is assisted in the Alps by several Krampuses, similar to the Zwarte Pieten, or soot-swept Pieten in the Netherlands. Only the Krampuses are definitely not children's friends. The name Krampus comes from the Old High German word Krampen, meaning claw. Krampuses look like demons or devils with bestial features; creatures with a hairy body, a scary head with horns and hands with claws. He roams around in the first 2 weeks of December with rusty bells and chains and makes a lot of noise. He bangs on doors and windows with sticks and whips. On the evening of 5 December, young men from the area take to the streets dressed as Krampus. It is often seen as an excuse to scare people, beat them with rods (especially women) and cause anonymous destruction. Often under the influence of quite a bit of alcohol. Be warned if you take to the streets after dark that night! No one is spared, including tourists.
Crampus vs Pete
While the Saint looks almost the same in Alpine countries as in the Netherlands, Nicolo's helper is quite different in appearance and behaviour. Things are also a lot more frightening when dealing with children. Before Sinterklaas enters, the Krampus hits the door with sticks, chains, stones and whips. Once inside, Saint Nicholas hands out presents to the children and the Krampus then stands by as a threat to naughty children. Indeed, naughty children are beaten or put in the sack to be taken into the forest.
See Krampus?
Want to see one in real life? In the first two weeks of December, Krampus events are held in many winter sports villages. Part of this is a parade with all kinds of Krampuses. Expect lots of noise, fire and smoke in this. Want to experience it closer to home? A variant of the Krampus can be found on the Wadden Islands.
Photo source: TribP
