Krampus runs and Saint Nicholas Day

As Christmas approaches, Salzburg is renowned not just for its dazzling markets and calming carols. It also has a special place for the processions of evil creatures—Krampus! This ancient pagan tradition in the Alpine region is closely linked with the Christian festival of St. Nicholas (6th December). During this festival, Krampus terrifies disobedient children while St. Nicholas rewards the obedient ones. The events featuring Krampus usually start around two weeks before St. Nicholas.

During the two weeks before Saint Nicholas Day, the streets of Salzburg and the surrounding villages are filled with people dressed as mummers wearing fur coats, horns, and fangs. They walk by crowds of onlookers, cracking their whips to eerie music, torches, and ringing bells. This tradition is deeply rooted in Austrian society, to the point that parents even bring their young children to the processions. Each procession usually lasts for about 1,5 - 2 hours. But some are really big when hundreds of mummers from dozens of groups take part. Such events last for more than 3 hours. If you plan to visit Salzburg during this time, it's essential to find out where and when these processions will occur. Otherwise, you may end up getting attacked and whipped by a crowd of devils. And you will not understand what that was.