THE KRAMPUS RUNLocation: Alpine Village, Torrance, CA
Accessibility: Annual Event Created: 2013 |
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The holiday season is a time for joyous festivities, glorious Christmas lights, tasty eggnog, and marveling children. Anxiously awaiting Santa Clause, children around the world attempt their best behavior and participate in good deeds all year round in order to ensure their name is on the top of the list to receive a batch of wrapped gifts under the tree. However, those who have been ill-behaved are whispered to receive coal in their stockings in lieu of gifts. According to legend, there is a more just punishment ready to be doled out to those who have been naughty.
Derived from pagan origins and folklore from Austria’s Alpine region, Krampus is said to be St. Nick’s dark companion. A mythical beast described as “half-goat, half-demon, Krampus appears once a year, toting chains of bells, birch branches, and sacks to carry out terror in the streets. Crucial to the holiday season, Krampus reigns on the eve of St. Nicholas’ day. Traditionally falling December 5th, Krampuslauf (Krampus run) begins when bells ring from a chapel to warn civilians that Krampus is being set free to roam the streets.
Krampus made his way across the Atlantic when artist Al Guerrero decided that Los Angeles needed its own branch of the titular Krampus Run. Al Ridenour, author of "The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of Folkloric Devil", journeyed to the Austrian town of Bad Gastein to experience a Krampus Run firsthand. Following his return, Ridenour joined forces with Guerrero to undertake the formation of Krampus Los Angeles. Previously, Ridenour and Guerrero worked together on LA’s Cacophony Society and participated in early SantaCon events. In 2013, Krampus ran the streets of Los Angeles for the first time. Formulated by passionate artists and homemade costumes, the Krampus Run has been a massive success for those involved. Join us as we experience the Krampus Run 2019 in Alpine Village. Happy Holidays, everyone!!
Derived from pagan origins and folklore from Austria’s Alpine region, Krampus is said to be St. Nick’s dark companion. A mythical beast described as “half-goat, half-demon, Krampus appears once a year, toting chains of bells, birch branches, and sacks to carry out terror in the streets. Crucial to the holiday season, Krampus reigns on the eve of St. Nicholas’ day. Traditionally falling December 5th, Krampuslauf (Krampus run) begins when bells ring from a chapel to warn civilians that Krampus is being set free to roam the streets.
Krampus made his way across the Atlantic when artist Al Guerrero decided that Los Angeles needed its own branch of the titular Krampus Run. Al Ridenour, author of "The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of Folkloric Devil", journeyed to the Austrian town of Bad Gastein to experience a Krampus Run firsthand. Following his return, Ridenour joined forces with Guerrero to undertake the formation of Krampus Los Angeles. Previously, Ridenour and Guerrero worked together on LA’s Cacophony Society and participated in early SantaCon events. In 2013, Krampus ran the streets of Los Angeles for the first time. Formulated by passionate artists and homemade costumes, the Krampus Run has been a massive success for those involved. Join us as we experience the Krampus Run 2019 in Alpine Village. Happy Holidays, everyone!!