Fear and fun at Christmas custom - 14th December 2022

December 6th marks Saint Nicholas Day in many parts of Europe, a time when Saint Nicholas rewards those children who've been good throughout the year. Although well-behaved children will find presents lying under their pillows or coins in their shoes, naughty youngsters receive a piece of coal or a small stick instead.

In the Austrian town of Bad Mitterndorf, children have more to fear than most. The day before Saint Nicholas Day, townspeople join together in a play known as 'Nikolospiel', where men dress as 'Krampus'. They put on black sheepskin costumes, with terrifying face masks, to scare the town's children.

Daniela Puercher's a regular spectator at the event.

Daniela Puercher: 'For those who are attending for the first time, it's definitely chilling. It's dark, there's electricity in the air. The atmosphere is special. You hear the bells ringing and then the characters appear. Even with the experience, you are still impressed.'

'The children, of course they are afraid, especially those who have not been good during the year.'

The parade, with 130 performers, winds its way through the streets, led by 12 faceless figures called 'Schab'. Dressed totally in straw, these forms clear a path and chase away evil spirits, striking the ground with their long whips.

With each pause in the parade, Saint Nicholas approaches children and questions them about religious doctrine. Appropriate responses are rewarded with sweets, but those children who commit an error are immediately removed by the Krampus.

The parade's taken place consistently for 150 years and has UNESCO heritage status in recognition of its cultural value.

Director, Martin Rainer, is positive the tradition will appeal to future generations.

Martin Rainer: 'We in the region are very proud that we have managed to keep this tradition in its original form for all these decades. And we are convinced that with the demand we are already receiving, the next generation will be able to take over without any problems in the coming decades.'