Événement

Krampus Talk with Costume Catwalk

Thanks to a certain highly promoted 2015 horror-comedy by Universal, many Americans now know something about the Krampus. Or think they do. However mass-culture horror tropes have muddied those waters, there is a growing domestic subculture of grassroots enthusiasts eager to understand and share a more authentically European take on the Krampus tradition. Over the last decade, dozens of Krampus runs have sprung up in various American cities, including exceptionally vigorous activity in Los Angeles, where members of Austrian troupes have marched alongside their American protégés in devilish, switch-swinging camaraderie.

The creative force behind much of this enthusiasm for a once obscure Alpine tradition is Krampus Los Angeles director and author of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas, Al Ridenour. Returning for his third annual presentation, Ridenour will explore the topic with new slides, rare video clips, and surprises dreamed up with his costumed cohorts from Krampus Los Angeles.

Central to the superstitions, fears, and legends associated with the old, dark Christmas season, or "die Rauhnächte", are the fearsome characters that haunted the Germanic landscape. To assist you in visualizing these particular spooks, Ridenour has choreographed costumed walk-ons by Krampus Los Angeles members. The demonic Habergeiß, the Schnabelpercht, and bloody Thomas, are but a few of the more than a dozen apparitions expected. Naturally, the more familiar Krampus and saintly Nicholas will also be on hand to ensure that both naughty and nice are not only educated but appropriately rewarded.