SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio's looking to celebrate a different -- and decidedly less cheery -- Christmas custom can join a local take on a thrilling European tradition when the Hermann Sons Hall hosts the city’s first-ever Krampus Parade in the historic King William neighborhood.
Scheduled for the evening of Dec. 5, the procession celebrates the dark, mischievous counterpart to Saint Nicholas (Santa) and promises to be an unforgettable evening of folklore, costumes and blending the ancient European legend with a modern Texan twist.
Bob Crittenden, the parade's grand marshal, said the idea came from a board member at Hermann Sons German Hall who wanted to expand on the success of last year's Krampus celebration at the hall's Rathskeller.
Inspired by growing global interest in Krampus, spurred partly from the 2015 Adam Scott movie that sent moviegoers researching the real-life myth, Hurt-Stanford envisioned a Krampuslauf (or "Krampus walk") for San Antonio and appointed Crittenden its grand marshal. He accepted, and an organizing committee that dubbed itself the Valkyries von Krampus and includes former Fiesta commissioners, was created soon after.
"The reason to bring this Krampus Parade to San Antonio is because people are prepared for it and were just waiting to be invited!" Crittenden said.
The procession will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Arthouse in Blue Star (134 Blue Star) and wind through the King William neighborhood, sticking to the tradition of a walking parade. That means there won't be floats or vehicles, with Krampuslauf coming to life with people dressed up in their version of the legendary Christmas-season imp.
The figure is typically depicted with horns, cloven hooves and fangs. Organizers of the San Antonio Krampuslauf say they've "declared this parade PG-13," given the myth's frightening connotations.
"This is the historically accurate way to perform this folklore tradition, as is holding it on the fifth of December, which is the eve of the Feast of Saint Nicholas" Crittenden said.
Some local dignitaries will receive the "Golden Birch Rods" of Krampus from the Valkyries. Among those honorees are John Doski, president of the King William Neighborhood Association, and David Uhler, president of the Beethoven Maennerchor.
Attendees are invited to watch the parade along King William Street and encouraged to join in the fun by dressing up in Krampus-themed costumes.
“There really is no such thing as looking outrageous at this parade,” said Crittenden, adding the familiar St. Nick himself will also be making an appearance.
For added flair, he suggests spectators bring along noisemakers like cowbells or jingle bells to join in the festive chaos.
Whether you're a Krampus enthusiast or just looking for something new and exciting to kick off the holiday season, the Krampus Parade will be a one-of-a-kind event you won’t want to miss.
