According to the traditions of our area, St. Nicholas is always seen in connection with the Krampus or "Klaubauf" - as it was used to say in former times - who accompanies the saint when he is visiting the children.

On the eve of the St. Nicholas Festival, on December 5th, which is also known as "Krampus Day", Krampus groups run around the streets and are about to scare the children; while St. Nicholas is giving the children various "Guatsln" - apples and nuts, figs and gingerbread.

The figure of Nicholas is out  as a bishop in regalia, with a miter and a bishop's staff, the Krampus go as devilish companions, dressed in furs and with a devil's mask on their heads. In earlier times the Krampus wore fur masks, but for several years one can see Krampus with wood-carved masks. The Krampus make a lot of noise when they are running around: they loudly rattle with their dull-ringing bells. In addition, these wild fellows are provided with willow twigs.