As night falls on December 5th… An allegory of the eternal struggle between good and evil.
The Krampus are a representation of the devil, and appear as mysterious spirits from the woods, covered with fur.
Their face is crowned with long horns.
The clatter of the cowbells and chains they carry announces their arrival.
They come together with Saint Nicholas, and parade through the centre of the town holding flaming torches and birch rods.
In Tarvisio in particular, once they reach the main square they charge around, chasing children and adults to whip them with their sticks, or make them kneel and say prayers, a tradition that happens all around Tarvisio.
The night of 5th December children wait with joy and fear for Saint Nicholas and the Krampus to visit their homes.
Saint Nicholas carries with him a large and mysterious book which lists all the good deeds or mischiefs done by the children he is going to visit….
After praising or scolding the children, the saint gives them gifts.
Traditionally these were oranges and tangerines, sweets or nuts, whilst naughty children would be given candies which look like a piece of coal.
All receive the so called “sweet krampus made of bread”.
This was invented in the 1920s by Alfredo Svetina, a famous baker from Tarvisio whose bakery is still open today.