The annual Krampuslauf no longer takes place down Herrengasse in Graz but starting beginning of November there are plenty of events near Graz and in Steiermark. You can find event lists for 2024 here and here. There will also be a Perchtenlauf on November 19th, 6pm at Shopping City Seiersberg and a small family-friendly one at Hasnerplatz on November 30, 5 pm. More info and posters for events in and around Graz here.

With elaborate costumes and pyrotechnics, they are quite the spectacle. Keep in mind these events can be scary for younger children, so some have special kid events or areas. After the parade, things can get really rowdy as the crowd begins to party so take care!

The Krampus is an alarming-looking creature which appears during the Advent period in Austria. Originally thought to have come from the old pre-Christian myths involving beasts from the forest and creatures such as satyrs, the Krampus became linked with St Nicholas in the Middle Ages. As with so many pagan customs, it was absorbed into the official Christian calendar. St Nicholas (aka ‘Santa Claus’) had by the 16th century started to become associated with the traditional pre-Christmas period of gift-giving. While he was the ‘carrot’ for boys and girls to be good, the Krampus were (quite literally) the ‘stick’. ‘If you are good, Niklaus will bring you something nice. But if you are bad, the Krampus might come and get you.’

The Krampus traditionally appeared on the night before the Feast of St Nicholas (the evening of December 5). They wore animal skins and carved wooden masks, had bells tied onto their costume so that people could hear the clanking coming through the darkness, and they carried long sticks. The chains that they sometimes wear are thought to be related to the idea of the creatures being bound to their place in the underworld, while the sacks that they carry are to take very bad children away with them.

It’s also common to see Perchtenlauf together with Krampuslauf now, but Perchten are actually different to Krampuses but often mixed up together. Traditionally they appeared in the period between Christmas and January 6th. The Percht mask, based on nature, presents an animal and is a symbol of fertility for the new year and is supposed to drive away the evil winter spirits. Percht are usually accompanied by witches and they carry a horsetail rod with them.

Photos@GrazTourismus Harry Schiffer.