Krampuslauf Graz 2010

Around 300 scary, dark figures strolled around the Grazer Krampuslauf and were accompanied by a heavy snowfall and numerous visitors through the Grazer Herrengasse. Many thanks to Jagabluat and JBL Musikverlag () for permission to use the song “Gruß vom Krampus“. In Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore, Krampus is a horned, anthropomorphic figure described as “half-goat, half-demon“, who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved, in contrast with Saint Nicholas, who rewards the well-behaved with gifts. Regions in Austria feature similar figures and, more widely, Krampus is one of a number of Companions of Saint Nicholas in regions of Europe. The origin of the figure is unclear; some folklorists and anthropologists have postulated a pre-Christian origin for the figure (see Germanic paganism). In traditional parades and in such events as the Krampuslauf (English: Krampus run), young men dressed as Krampus participate; such events occur annually in most Alpine towns. Krampus is featured on holiday greeting cards called Krampuskarten. @sirbandersnatch