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.

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St. Martin’s Day and Nußmärtel

Last night was the eve of St. Martin’s. In certain regions of Germany there is a cousin of Krampus who greets children with enticing handfuls of nuts and sweets AND SWITCHES on that night.  He is called the “Nut Martin or Marty” or “Nußmärtel” There’s also a “Pelzmärtel” (“Furs-” or “Beatings-Martin” depending on which etymology you trust). Other less frightful customs involving decorative lantern parades and roast geese.

All of this posted on our Krampus Los Angeles Facebook “Interest” page just now.  We also have an interactive discussion group on FB too.

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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
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