I Krampus di S.Nicolò (Vipiteno)

The Krampus are men-caproni unleashed and very disturbing that roam the streets in search of "bad" children. Their faces are covered with evil and scary masks; their clothes are tattered, dirty and worn out. The Krampus when wandering the streets of countries cause noises produced from bells or horns, accompanying them in way that brings them around. The origin of this custom, maintained with fierce pride in many municipalities of Tyrol, is lost in the mists of time. One of the few things that you know is that this event is linked to the winter solstice.

It is curious that in disguise according to tradition, and sometimes even in women's clothing, are exclusively men. But the devil, Krampus, or can also be female, and in this case it is called Krampa.

Another rule is that the mask worn by them must never be removed in public and spectators must never try to remove it, otherwise the disgrace to the unmasked.