KRAMPUS & PERCHTEN RUNS

During Advent, they come out of the woods and accompany St. Nicholas from house to house. But more and more often, they also chase through the streets in hordes during Krampus runs. With the horror comedy "KRAMPUS", the sinister journeyman even made it into Hollywood.

The origin of Krampus goes back to the middle of the 17th century. Since then, the hairy figure with the devil's grimace has been known as St. Nicholas' companion. But while St. Nicholas hands out his presents, the Krampus is supposed to teach naughty children the meaning of fear on their tour together. Equipped with a rod and a hunchback and wearing elaborate masks with horns, he is usually successful. Equipped with cowbells and bells, he is also supposed to help people drive away the winter. Krampus groups appear more and more often in parades and Krampus runs during Advent. While the depiction of images of devils was repeatedly banned after their appearance in the 17th century, Krampus runs have been held regularly throughout Austria during Advent since the 20th century.

So there is still a lot of work for the Krampus to do before he can retreat back into the woods. Because in the coming weeks, Krampus and Perchten runs will be taking place throughout the Graz Region. Find out where and when they are lurking here.

ESSENCE OF WINTER

The Perchten are a different story. They are not only active during Advent, but are creatures of winter and can therefore be found throughout the dark season. Especially at the turn of the year, the Perchten are responsible for driving away the evil spirits of the old year with noise and brushwood brooms. The methods as well as the figures such as the Schnabelpercht, the Perchten giant, the Woidmandl and the Hobagoas, a hybrid of goat and bird, go back to centuries-old pagan traditions.

So not all Percht are the same - and the Percht is certainly not Krampus. Although the Schirchpercht and Krampus compete with each other in terms of eeriness, there are details in which the two differ fundamentally. For example, the number of horns on the Krampus is limited to exactly one pair and, unlike the Krampus, the Schirchpercht does not wear cowbells or bells.

SHOCKINGLY BEAUTIFUL

The Schönperchten are just as elaborately designed, but are based on animal creatures rather than the devil. They are supposed to spread happiness and blessings among the villagers. Together with the Schirchperchten, they represent the duality of light and dark. However, they are not in competition with each other, but represent a common balance with a strict division of labor. The Schirchpercht and Schönpercht are therefore fundamentally different from Krampus. Their task is to spread fear and terror. With their martial appearance, however, the Perchten are not supposed to teach people to be afraid, but to help them get rid of evil spirits.