The visit from the Krampus is an old Alpine tradition were a demon like creature or group of creatures accompanies Saint Nicholas in order to scare children into being good.
The tradition is usually performed in first 2 weeks of December, when young men(usually drunk) dress up in there hand carved wooden masks and fur costumes and roam the streets scaring women, children and even the men.
If you are unlucky and get caught by a Krampus you may get a few hard strikes from there birch whips, this is very painful and very scary.
Franziska after being attacked by a Krampus. At least she didn't get the whip!
I was too scared to get close enough for good photos of the Krampus. One minute you are standing in the snow enjoying a muled wine and a chat with friends and then you hear the bells coming and getting louder and louder. The traditional Straw men(Krampus covered in straw with huge bells on their back) all jump in time as the bells get closer every one screams and runs for the nearest place to hide.
The only problem is there are so many Krampus roaming the streets you may get attacked from behind...........aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!!
A cocky young boy getting a good whipping.
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