The Rise of Krampus in America: Embracing the Darker Side of the Holidays

In recent years, a peculiar figure has been making his presence felt in the United States during the holiday season – the horned, fur-clad Krampus. Once a relatively obscure Alpine folklore character, Krampus has captured the imaginations of Americans, spawning parades, events, and even a Hollywood film. At the forefront of this Krampus craze is the Krewe of Krampus in New Orleans, which hosts the largest Krampus parade in America, known as the Krampus NOLAuf.

The Krampus tradition has its roots in pre-Christian Alpine folklore, where the half-goat, half-demon creature was said to accompany St. Nicholas on the eve of December 6th, punishing misbehaving children while St. Nick rewarded the well-behaved ones. Over time, Krampus evolved into a more sinister figure, representing the darker, scarier aspects of the holiday season.

While Krampus celebrations have been a longstanding tradition in parts of Europe, especially in Austria and Germany, the trend of Krampus parades and events in America is a relatively new phenomenon. The spark that ignited the Krampus craze stateside can be traced back to around 2010, when a handful of cities, such as Los Angeles and Philadelphia, started hosting Krampus-themed events and parades.

However, it was the 2015 release of the Hollywood comedy-horror film “Krampus” that truly thrust the folklore figure into the mainstream American consciousness. The movie’s dark yet whimsical take on the Krampus legend resonated with audiences, creating a wider appreciation for this unique holiday tradition.

In the post-pandemic era, the popularity of Krampus in America has exploded, with most major cities now hosting their own Krampus events, from parades to pub crawls and even “Krampus Runs.” At the epicenter of this Krampus renaissance is the Krewe of Krampus in New Orleans, co-founded by Michael and Diana Esordi.

The husband-and-wife team behind the Krewe of Krampus have been involved in the Krampus movement since 2011, immersing themselves in the folklore and traditions surrounding the iconic figure. Michael, a graduate of the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design, brings his artistic vision and design talent to the creation of the Krampus NOLAuf parade, which has become the largest and most anticipated Krampus event in America.

The Krampus NOLAuf parade, held annually in early December, is a spectacle like no other. Hundreds of elaborately costumed Krampus revelers take to the streets of New Orleans’ Bywater neighborhood, accompanied by a cacophony of music, fire, and revelry. The parade attracts thousands of spectators, eager to catch a glimpse of the fearsome yet fascinating Krampus creatures.

“The Krampus parade is a unique blend of Old World traditions and New Orleans flair,” explains Diana Esordi. “It’s a celebration of the darker, more mischievous side of the holidays, but also a reminder to embrace the spirit of community and revelry that defines our city.”

What makes the Krewe of Krampus’ efforts so remarkable is their dedication to authenticity and respect for the Krampus tradition’s origins. The Esordis have traveled to Austria to study the folklore and customs surrounding Krampus, ensuring that their New Orleans interpretation stays true to the roots of the tradition.

As the Krampus phenomenon continues to grow in America, the Krewe of Krampus in New Orleans remains at the forefront, captivating audiences with their larger-than-life parade and spreading the interest of this unique holiday figure. Whether you find Krampus terrifying or fascinating, there’s no denying that his presence adds a delightfully dark and whimsical twist to the holiday season in the United States.

For those interested in experiencing the Krampus NOLAuf parade or learning more about the Krewe of Krampus, visit their website at kreweofkrampus.com. Embrace the darker side of the holidays and let the spirit of Krampus ignite your sense of wonder and revelry this season.