Waldzeller Woidteifln

Registered as an official association since 2009. The group consists of around 20 Krampuses, a fire-breather, a basket bearer and six stewards and performs more than 15 shows a year.

On the evening of 6 December, St Nicholas arrives throughout Austria, accompanied by the Krampus. While St Nicholas rewards the children who have been good throughout the year with presents, the Krampus rattles chains and scares/punishes the children who have been "bad".

Since the beginning of the 20th century, Krampus and Perchten can usually be found together.

The Krampus' paraphernalia consists of a sheepskin or goatskin, wooden masks made of Swiss stone pine or lime wood, a cowbell or beam bell, a horse's tail/cow's tail or willow rod and sometimes a Bugelkraxn. Only 2 horns are a recognisable feature of a Krampuss.

Perchten/Schiach-Perchten are only out and about on the smoky nights: 21/22 December (St Thomas' Night), 24/25 December (Christmas Eve), 31 December/1 January (New Year's Eve), 5/6 January (Apparition of the Lord). They are used to drive out winter and evil spirits and are said to spread good luck through the streaking of the rod. A Percht can be recognised by at least six horns.

Further information can be found at www.woidteifln.at