Krampus Night celebrations kicked off 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Rev. Ernest D. Butler Park. “Angels,” dressed in white, handed out “naughty” stickers, for those wanting to be chased by the Krampus creatures, and “nice” stickers, for those wishing to watch and receive candy. Some children spent the evening hiding in their parents’ arms, while others taunted the Krampus with snowballs and returned growls. The Krampus then paraded throughout downtown Bloomington.
According to the event’s organizers, “Krampus are beastly creatures found in Alpine folklore that punish misbehaved children during the holiday season.” This tradition, while celebrated regularly in other countries, is a growing part of American holiday traditions.
