Berchtesgadener Buttnmandl und Krampus

The Buttnmandl procession is a unique, centuries-old custom in the Berchtesgadener Land. On 5 and 6 December (as well as on Sundays during Advent), groups – known as ‘Bassn’ – comprising St Nicholas, angels and wild figures, make their way from farmstead to farmstead. The figures are either wrapped in long straw (Buttnmandl) or wear shaggy animal skins (Kramperl). Both often wear fearsome wooden or fur masks and ring heavy cowbells loudly.

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