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.

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

[glennwelsh]

This is awesome. The falling snow adds to the dark, wintery atmosphere of the parade.

[fawkespryde]

This entire parade feels like a fever dream. I love it.

[CurseTheCosmos]

People who hate Christmas: “Ugh. I hate this time of year. It’s so cheery and saccharine.”

Austria: “Nah.”

[glennarnold]

This is totally AWESOME !!! I wish I could get over there one year hose participating and constructing their costumes and catch this. Beautiful culture and winter. My compliments to those participating and constructing their costumes as they are indeed some form of the most creative I've ever seen in my 63 years of life. Merry Christmas Austria !!!

[sci-fiweekly]

Yep Christmas is now officially scarier than Halloween

[matthewgg]

Krampus is like a walking Beyond Scared Straight Holiday special

[amandafranklin]

I love how a lot of adults seems scared but most of the kids are having the time of their lives. Kids love monsters.

[DivineKnight_]

I love how it’s actually snowing on their costumes making them look even more realistic…

[MrJowee]

Their Christmas parades are more bad ass and evil than our Halloween parades. 

[BigyetiTechnologies]

I need to go to Austria next Christmas

[Maja-cmmt]

Krampus are not on Christmas, they are on Saint Nicholas (Nikola) day (which is also in December). In Slovenia and Croatia (legend says) that they are coming because of bad and problematic kids.
In my place, it is traditional to have a parade of Krampus once every year.😊
They are traditional part of an Croatian, Slovenian, Austrian... culture❤

[jalisaalanaye]

The art work in all of the costumes are so good !

[joeyfitz]

The little kid who is not scared but seems rather pleased and excited @ 2:54?
Way cool.

[dec]

Reasons why I love Austria:

-Worldwide capital city of Classical Music.
-This.

[sawahtb]

The real nightmare before Xmas. I had to say it's fascinating.

[florianfotsch]

Läufe mit Schnee in der Südsteiermark is ganz selten oder gibts schon nicht mehr... schade eigentlich🙁 mit Schnee is es noch schöner als jetzt schon🥺❄️❄️

[anastasia-frgn]

American Christmas parades: Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, 🎶🎶

Austrian Christmas parades: demonic growling and drums

[katiecook]

That fact that actually looked this up, and watch it..

[MarioUcomics]

This is the most METAL Christmas I ever seen!! I wish we had this in the United States

[Fallout-]

My mom and I want to go to Austria to see these parades!!! This would be awesome to do in the uk. Sadly, it wouldn't be appropriated as most would deem it too scary but I don't care this is so awesome and looms so fun and the costumes are phenomenal ❤️ 💖 ♥️