Krampus, Austria's scariest Christmas tradition
Every year in late November and early December, he comes to town: a horned, hairy demon with a hand-carved wooden mask, heavy cowbells and a birch rod. He's the grumpy sidekick of St. Nicholas. Nicholas brings sweets to the good children, Krampus takes care of the naughty ones. In many towns, whole packs of Krampuses parade through the streets at night, rattling their bells and chasing the crowd. Loud, wild, a little scary, and I love it. Christmas spirit, Austrian style!
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