Krampusumzug: The South Tyrolean Way

Kevin and I were super-excited to check out Krampusumzug ('Krampus' for short). And then we started hearing a little more about how it all worked and our excitement quickly turned to fear. We talked to some of the guys on the team who are from the area and they gave us two tips. Dress in old clothes and don't stand near the front of the group.

First off, I only bring one bag of clothes with me when I come over to Europe. I'm not going to waste precious space on old clothes. Secondly, why would I stand near the back of the group. How is a girl supposed to get good pictures of the Krampus standing in the back? In talking to the guys, I quickly realized why they gave us the two tip.

In Vipiteno, there are 25 Krampus who run down the walking street with their faces covered in black paint. From what I was told, the paint is practically impossible to get off. If they touch you, it is getting all over you whether you like it or not. Some also throw ashes into the crowds. Then, the Krampus use bundles of twigs to hit you with. If you are in town for Krampus, you are fair game.

Since we wanted to experience Krampus, but didn't want to ruin any of our clothes or get whipped, we went into town before the actual event started. We still got to see the Krampus (as they were whipping people) and came home nice and clean.

Kevin and Markus (one of the local guys on the team) with a Krampus whip.

The little girl in the yellow was not a fan of the miniature Krampus.

I absolutely love the facial expression of the guy in blue.

The Krampus

I'm pretty sure I would not be having the Krampus take pictures with my babies.

Hello December!

When I woke up this morning, I had so many things to look forward to. For starters, it is the first day for my Advent Calendar. I had never heard of them until we went over to England and they were everywhere, in all sorts of shapes and flavors. Now I HAVE to have one every year! Kevin told me, he would just buy me 25 candy bars, but it isn't the same. With an Advent Calendar, you have an excuse to eat candy for breakfast and I love having that little piece of candy to look forward to.

December also brings the holidays. Of course, we are sad that we won't be spending Christmas with our family. And it looks like Kevin has zero days off, but the Christmas season in Europe is so much fun. Christmas Markets take over towns. We have only been to the one in Vipiteno, but we're planning on making our rounds in the coming weeks. At these street markets, you can purchase local crafts, fill your belly with fattening treats, and stay warm with Glühwein (mulled wine). It also gives me a chance to expand my Christmas ornament collection (we get an ornament in every city we visit).

On Monday, we are going to Krampusumzug. It is a tradition that takes place every year on December 5. Men dress up as Krampus, a demon-like creature who punishes bad children. Think of Krampus as the opposite of Santa (or St. Nicholas as he's called here). Apparently, the Krampus roam the old town and Christmas Market frightening people with chains and bells. Here's an idea of what I'll be looking at Monday night.

December also brings the end of Movember so Kevin no longer has a schnauzer (moustache in German) as of right now. Yes, I was starting to get used to it, but that doesn't mean I thought it looked good. I'm happy to have my husband back to normal, at least for a few months.