Devils in Disguise

During the end of November and the beginning of December          ( actually, right up to the festival of the "Holy three Kings" on January 6, ) the "Perchten" or "Krampuses" make the streets of many communities in Austria and Bavaria "unsafe" for young people, mostly young girls.
The Perchten, predominantly young men, dressed up in frightful masks and costumes, roam the streets and, armed with switches, threaten all who have come to see this old custom.

When I was young, St. Nickolaus appeared, accompanied by a Krampus. While Old Nick handed out small presents, such as nuts, gingerbread and some candies, Krampus would recite the "sins" we had committed and for each one he would gently slap our behind with his switch.
An old custom which we all survived without lasting harm.

This quaint custom has now developed into the "Perchten Run", conducted by Perchten Clubs, who manufacture their own costumes and in an organized way visit neighbouring communities.

Last night was the Perchten Run in Bleiburg.
Eighty two (82 !) different clubs participated, each consisting of 10 to 20 devils.
The Main Street had been cleared of parked vehicles and all traffic was re-routed, and this seemingly never ending procession of devils, some spitting fire, moved through our town, causing no damage, and bringing much added revenue to Restaurants and Bars from the thousands of onlookers lining the parade route.

Fire breathing Perchten.

Two Perchtens pulling a charriot

Two horns were not enough for this one.

Among the

  estimated 800 to 1000 devils

there was this lonely St. Nick.

This almost 7 foot devil moved deftly on stilts.