Gruß vom Krampus! Krampus Los Angeles would like to extend a big “Thank you!” to everyone who visited our booth and enjoyed our appearance at Midsummer Scream in Long Beach July 28-30. We had a great time meeting and menacing you, and look forward to seeing you at some of our events on Krampusnacht and during the upcoming holiday season. For those of you who signed our email list, please watch your inbox or this space for info about our upcoming meet and greet and mask making workshops!
KRAMPUS NIGHT AT PRS — An Evening of Folkloric Holiday Traditions with author Al Ridenour, featuring pre-show Cocktail Hour, live Germanic holiday songs, actual Krampuses and the campy kinder-horror film Der Struwwelpeter on screen
Author, podcaster, Al Ridenour is the author of THE KRAMPUS AND THE OLD, DARK CHRISTMAS (Feral House, 2016), the only in-depth English-language study of the German folk-demon, Krampus. Now in its second printing, it has been praised by critics including the LA Times’ Elizabeth Hand, who found the book “gleefully erudite,” remarking that it “deserves to become a classic.”
This illustrated presentation will reveal how the often-misunderstood figure of Krampus is connected to centuries-old witchcraft beliefs and an older, darker understanding of the Christmas season as a time offering access to the spirit world.
Ridenour’s talk will be followed by a screening of extended excerpts from the film, DER STRUWWELPETER by noted fairy-tale film director Fritz Genschow (Germany, 1955, 30 min. total). Evocative of the 19th-century “sugar-bread and whip” style of parenting favored in Germany. Screened only a handful of times in the US, the film (subtitled by Ridenour) brings to life the notorious collection of rhymed cautionary tales penned and illustrated in 1845 by asylum medic, Dr. Heinrich Hoffman. Staged in series of charming tableaux precisely mirroring Hoffman’s drawings, narrated in rhyme, and often incorporating ballet.
Providing a musical intermezzo will be renowned singer CHRISTINA LINHARDT performing Germanic songs of the season accompanied on the hammered dulcimer by JERRY WHEELER.
In addition to the auditorium presentation, attendees will enjoy a pre-show COCKTAIL HOUR complete with festive mulled wine and photos with COSTUMED BEASTIES from KRAMPUS LOS ANGELES who will sniff out exactly who has been naughty this year! KRAMPUSES will appear again for photos after the talk and lecture.
We understand it’s not quite the same and hope to bring you the old favorites next year if things in Los Angeles are halfway normal again, but Meanwhile, the producers of the Midsummer Scream horror convention, have invited us to participate in their new seasonal offering Seasons’ Screamings to be held at the Pasadena Convention Center Friday, Dec. 17 through Sunday, Dec. 19.
The even offers 200+ dark vendors, spooky photo ops and attractions, specials guests with a holiday twist. Krampus Los Angeles will have a table offering decorations, novelties, and books in the Exhibition Hall and will be making three appearances during the convention:
Friday, December 17, 6:30pm. Some beasties will be on hand to help celebrate the convention’s opening, dole out some much deserved beatings and pose for photos.
Saturday, December 18, 3:30pm. A herd of devils from Krampus Los Angeles will process through the Hall of Yuletide Spirits and exhibitions areas. Beatings and photo ops included.
Sunday, December 19, 2:30pm. Al Ridenour, author of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas will offer a slide and video lecture on the history and folklore of the Krampus, highlighted by an onstage (and in-audience) appearance by some horned creatures.
Sunday, December 19, 3:30pm. A march of switch-wielding Krampuses will proceed from Ridenour’s lecture through the exhibitions areas to The Hall of Yuletide Spirits and . Beatings and photo ops galore.
While these events are only open to Seasons Screamings ticket-holders, we believe Krampus-lovers will also enjoy other offerings of this convention exclusively dedicated to the intersection of horrors and the holidays.
KRAMPUS BALL TICKETS: Unfortunately, there are no more tickets available for the Krampus Ball. No additional pre-sale. None available at the door. Sorry for we could not accommodate everyone who wanted to attend.
KRAMPUS RUN: The Krampus Run is on. It should not be affected by weather. Current forecast (5:30am) does not show rain coming in till late Saturday night and only at 20% chance. In the unexpected eventuality of a change, we will run even in light rain. NOTE: The Torrance forecast differs from north in LA, so don’t be alarmed if you see rain further north.