Action starts at 6:30pm on Saturday, December 7 . Get chased in the Wild Zone! Join the Grand March down the B-Line trail! View the Parade on Madison!
Krampus Night 2013 Details
6:30pm
Wild Zone: Rev Butler Park (AKA 9th St Park)
Have you been bad? Want to see the Krampus up close? Are you ready to be chased? Naughty children and adults are encouraged to congregate in this winter wonderland as the Krampus, free of the control of St. Nicholas, emerge from the wild and stalk naughty prey. Will you dare get in the way?
Approximately 7:00pm
The Grand March: B-Line Trail
Everyone’s here: the Angels, heralds, St. Nicholas and his attendants, and of course the Krampus.
Angels dressed in white will be handing out stickers labeled “Naughty” and “Nice.” You decide for yourself (and any children) which sticker to wear. Anyone wearing a naughty sticker should know they have it coming. Wear a nice sticker and St Nicholas or an angel may give you candy.
Approximately 7:30
Parade: Madison St between 7th and 3rd St.
The Grand event! Fire, big carts, even more Krampus and pre-parade entertainment. View the Krampus from a “safe” distance or stand close and get candy or a swat.
**FAQ**
What will happen?
St. Nicholas and his angels will lead the way, with the rowdy Krampus under his control. Good children may watch from a secure distance as the noisy beasts approach. Naughty children and adults can taunt the Krampus and endure small torments as the Krampus pass by.
What will they do?
Krampus love to frighten bad children (and adults!). Some swat with a switch. They may touch your face, leaving an ashen mark that attracts bad dreams. Some take back the presents St. Nick has given, leaving a lump of coal instead. Depending on where you are they may chase you. Only St. Nick has the power to send the Krampus away, but in return we must behave.
Is my kid ready for this?
There is no age limit for the Krampus. You know your children best. Some kids get frightened when they get their pictures taken with Santa or the Easter Bunny at the mall. Krampus are kind of like that – most kids love them, some don’t. Remember you can determine if they wear a naughty or nice sticker and how close to the parade
path you stand. Thousands of Alpine children (of all ages) enjoy Krampus Night every year.
Where are they from?
As early as the 17th century, in Alpine Europe, nice children have been rewarded with gifts from St. Nicholas during the holiday season. But, naughty children are punished by his feisty companions, the Krampus – tall, hairy beasts with long wild horns.
What about Santa Claus?
We all know part of the story: St. Nick making his list and checking it twice, marking down who’s naughty or nice. St. Nick evolved into Santa Claus in the States, but Santa neglected and eventually abandoned the punishment duties of the Krampus. Most American kids aren’t afraid of getting a lump of coal in their stockings. And jolly ol’ Santa only gives presents.
Why are Krampus coming here?
To remind children — and adults — about the importance of being good and the fear of behaving badly.
Who is doing this?
Krampus Night is produced by Krampus Legend and Arts Workshop (KLAW), a diverse collective of friends, artists and organizers with documented experience creating successful artwork and events.
This project is supported in part by the City of Bloomington Arts Commission.
For more information, contact [email protected].
Cost: Free
For more information contact: