All set for Krampus parade, misbehaving children beware
Medvode, 18 November - Krampuses, horned, anthropomorphic figures from Central and Eastern Alpine folklore who punish misbehaving children during the Christmas season, will descend on the town of Goričane just northwest of Ljubljana from four countries on Saturday.
Mojstrana
Krampus parade in Mojstrana, northwest.
Photo: Facebook of event organisers
File photo
A record 32 groups featuring over 600 Krampuses from Slovenia, Austria, Italy and Croatia are expected at what is already the 10th Krampus run or Krampus Night in Goričane, starting at 6pm.
"We can expect very interesting costumes, as most Krampuses design their own outfits, drawing great pride from this. A major show is expected as well, as the Krampuses are always accompanied by scary figures, fire, racket, and are known to play tricks on the spectators and scare them," the local tourist association wrote.
The Krampus is considered an obverse figure to that of Saint Nicholas, with both making their rounds to visit children on the eve of 6 December, Saint Nicholas Day.
While Saint Nicholas bestows gifts like oranges, dried fruit, walnuts, and chocolate upon the children who have behaved well, Krampus, with his birch rods, metes out punishment to those children who have not been on their best behaviour.