Krampus and Perchten
Tradition and customs in Grossarltal
Tradition and local customs have always played an important role in Grossarltal. This is particularly striking in winter, when Krampusse and Perchten make their way through the village, filling the streets with the sound of bells and cowbells. Although the masks and furs may appear frightening at first glance, for the people of Grossarltal they represent a living cultural tradition, deeply rooted in the region and proudly passed on.
Krampusse and Perchten belong to two Alpine traditions that may appear similar but differ significantly. Both customs show how vibrant intangible cultural heritage can be in Austria: not as something confined to a museum, but as part of village life, handed down from one generation to the next. Krampusse and Perchten therefore form a valuable part of the region’s cultural heritage, which continues to be preserved in Grossarltal to this day.
These traditions come to life especially vividly in winter: during the Krampus procession in early December and the Perchten procession around the Rauhnächte. Both customs are deeply rooted in Grossarltal, but differ clearly in their meaning, timing and appearance.
Krampus and Percht
What is the difference?
These traditions come to life particularly vividly in winter: during the Krampus procession in early December and the Perchten procession around the Rauhnächte. Both customs are deeply rooted in Grossarltal, but differ significantly in their meaning, timing and appearance.
Krampus
The Krampus appears around St Nicholas’ Day on 5 and 6 December and accompanies St Nicholas. While St Nicholas represents praise, gifts and good wishes, the Krampus embodies the wild and frightening side of this Advent tradition. Wearing a carved mask, fur, bells and chains, and carrying a birch rod, he makes his way through the village, drawing attention with the loud ringing of his bells and symbolically reminding people that good behaviour is rewarded while bad behaviour is admonished.
- Period: 5th and 6th December
- Companion of Saint Nicholas
Percht
The Perchten, by contrast, appear during the Rauhnächte. They are not associated with St Nicholas, but with the transition from the old year to the new. Schönperchten bring good fortune and blessings, while Schiachperchten symbolically drive away evil spirits and the darkness of winter with their masks and bells.
- Period: Rauhnächte (21 December to 6 January)
- Drives away the evil of the previous year
In brief: the Krampus belongs to Advent and St Nicholas, while the Perchten belong to the period after Christmas and the Rauhnächte. Both customs are an important part of Austria’s living traditions.
At the beginning of December, a particularly exciting time begins in Grossarltal as the centuries-old Krampus tradition comes to life. St Nicholas and the Krampus go from house to house together. While St Nicholas represents gifts and good wishes, the Krampus, with his mask, fur and chains, embodies the wild and noisy side of this ancient custom.
A Krampus procession in Grossarltal is much more than a parade. It is an expression of living village culture and shows how closely tradition, craftsmanship and community are connected. Numerous Krampus groups shape the events. Each group has its own style, its own history and often individually carved masks made by local artists.
The processions are prepared and celebrated with great dedication. Visitors can experience events that showcase the traditions of Grossarltal in an impressive way.
Krampus processions in Grossarltal
In Grossarltal, guests can experience the Krampus tradition up close at several events. In Grossarl, various Krampus processions and encounters take place around the market square and the music pavilion:
- Children’s Krampus procession at the market square in Grossarl
- Youth Krampus procession at the market square in Grossarl
- Meet the Krampusse at the music pavilion in Grossarl
- Krampus procession at the market square in Grossarl
The traditional Krampus procession also takes place in Hüttschlag every year. These events show the many different ways in which this custom is celebrated in the two villages of Grossarltal, from the children’s Krampus procession to the main Krampus procession through the wintry streets.
The Rauhnächte mark the beginning of the Perchten season. During the period around Christmas, both Schönperchten and Schiachperchten appear: the Schönperchten bring good fortune and blessings, while the Schiachperchten symbolically drive away evil spirits with their bells and masks. The Perchten procession in Grossarltal brings this ancient custom to life.
Perchten association Grossarl - "an Fried, an Reim & an Gsund":
Perchtenverein Grossarl was founded in Grossarltal in 2020. The association aims to revive the region’s historic Perchten tradition. According to old chronicles, Perchten were first mentioned in Grossarl in 1846 and were regularly documented until around 1911.
Traditionally, the association goes from farm to farm on St Thomas’ Day, 21 December, to wish people “an Fried, an Reim & an Gsund”. This special day is closely connected with the Perchten tradition in Grossarltal. The procession from farm to farm shows how an ancient local custom is preserved and passed on as a living cultural heritage.
The art of mask carving
Sculptors and mask painters from Grossarltal
Every Krampus and Perchten mask is the result of genuine craftsmanship. In Grossarltal, carvers and mask painters preserve a traditional craft that is closely linked to Krampus and Perchten customs. Over many hours of work, raw blocks of wood are transformed into unique masks, each with its own expression, regional style and personal signature.
Several artists from Grossarltal help keep this tradition alive through their work:
- Astei Masken
- Bretei Gea - mask painter
- Metzger Lois - mask painter
- Metzger Masken
