Alpine Nicholas-Krampus Play to Premiere

(ABOVE: Turn-of-the-century Nicholas troupe. SOURCE: Vienna Folklore Museum).

On December 13 2014, Krampus Los Angeles will claw its way to the very wellsprings of the Krampus tradition with the world’s first English-language production of an authentic Alpine Nikolausspiel, one of a series of “Nicholas plays” traditionally performed on the saint’s feast day in parts of Austria and Bavaria.

In 2014 UNESCO recognized the  the Nikolausspiel as an element of Austria’s “intangible cultural heritage,” or in the parlance of the UN, a “Human Treasure.”  Our Los Angeles presentation is a composite of several village plays, incorporating not only the Krampus and Nicholas, but also a juicy tirade by the Prince of Hell, the “Lucifer Sermon,” usually presented as a standalone act, as well as “Death and the Youth” featuring an exceedingly clueless young man stalked by a remorseless Reaper.

Continue ReadingAlpine Nicholas-Krampus Play to Premiere

What? No Masks?

hooded

Finally an answer for those of you who want a Krampus costume, but just can’t bring yourselves to buy or make the mask! There is, in a certain region of Germany, a style of Krampus  that does not wear a sculpted mask (actually, it goes by a different regional name, but let’s not quibble).  Along with the unusual substitution of fur hoods for maks, they also use atypical bull horns and even deer antlers (vs. the usual goat horns).  So, now you have an excuse to dodge the mask.  Just don’t scrimp on the horns!

Continue ReadingWhat? No Masks?

Indigenous Krampus Meetup 2

While inevitably different from traditional groups in Europe, LA Krampus nonetheless attempts to absorb what we can of the genuine tradition by meeting and talking with those who practice it in its original form and setting.  Visiting the Alpine Town of Bad Gastein, to witness very traditional Krampus activities in 2012, LA Krampus Co-founder Al Ridenour upon return began correspondening with Bruno Leiminger, a member of a Bad Gastein Krampus troupe  who lately  performs as, a St. Nicholas.

A Bad Gastein Krampus Troupe
A Bad Gastein Krampus Troupe

When Bruno planned a visited to study trip to UC Berkley and visit down to Southern California, LA Krampus set up a meeting.  Bruno had been completely unaware of America’s growing fascination with Krampus, and marveled at our enthusiasm and sometimes peculiar understanding and adaptation of the traditions. Before evening’s end, we were planning  a future visit to Los Angeles by Bruno’s Bad Gastein troupe.  20014, 20015?  Fingers crossed.

Greetings to Bruno (in center, white T-shirt) and our other horned friends back in the Alps!

GRUSS-LA

 

Continue ReadingIndigenous Krampus Meetup 2
Older Posts