Événement

The Krampus: Talk with Costume Catwalk

Krampus, the dark companion to St. Nicholas once known only in German-speaking Europe, is quickly going global. Increasingly turning up in American books, comics, television shows, and films, the creature also now parades down American streets as part of costumed "Krampus runs."

Among the dozen or so US cities where these events take place, Los Angeles is perhaps assuming a leading role, thanks in part to Krampus Los Angeles, an organization dedicated in equal parts to playful reinterpretation and serious understanding of the source tradition.

Tonight, Krampus LA Co-director, Al Ridenour will illustrate his talk with a festive stream of rare images, film clips, and walk-ons by costumed friends representing diverse historic and regional variations on the character. Ridenour's whirlwind tour will touch upon the magic and mummery of the "Twelve Days," straw bears, murderous saints, ghost horses, phantom goats, and other figures that haunt the winter folklore of German-speaking lands.

Modeled upon European source images, costumes used in this presentation were individually crafted by members of Krampus LA. Most are being shown for the first time.

(Please note: $1 subterranean parking is available with Goethe Institut validation.)