Krampus Parade in Laives / Krampusumzug Leifers

The Krampus Parade in Laives

In the heart of the South Tyrolean winter, the town of Laives (Leifers), in the province of Bolzano, hosts one of the most spectacular Krampus parades in Trentino-Alto Adige. Every year, towards the end of November, the town centre transforms into an open-air stage where dozens of demonic creatures of Alpine folklore march: the Krampus, half-man, half-goat figures with powerful horns, protruding tongues, and wrapped in furs, chains, and cowbells.

Who are the Krampus?

According to Alpine tradition, the Krampus are the dark counterparts of Saint Nicholas: while the saint rewards good children, the Krampus are tasked with scaring and punishing the naughty ones. Their appearance, between late November and early December, is tied to the Saint Nicholas celebrations on December 6th. The hand-carved wooden masks and fur costumes represent a craft heritage passed down from generation to generation in the South Tyrolean valleys.

The Route and Atmosphere

The parade kicks off at dusk along Via Cairoli and continues to the intersection with Via Pietralba and Via Dante. As the Krampus pass by, amidst torches, smoke, and flashes of fire, the public crowds the sides of the street to witness the spectacle, a mix of fear and wonder. Recent editions have seen the participation of over a dozen groups from all over South Tyrol, for a total of more than two hundred masked Krampus.

The Organization

The event is organized by the Krampusverein Brontntol Tuifl of Laives, an association that has been preserving and promoting this tradition in the area for years, hosting groups from Bronzolo, Castelrotto, and other locations in South Tyrol. After the parade, the event continues with an aftershow party at the Laives Kulturhaus.

A Living Tradition

The Laives Krampus Parade is part of the rich calendar of Krampus events that animate South Tyrol between November and December. For residents and visitors, it represents a unique opportunity to experience one of the most authentic and evocative expressions of Alpine folklore in a context of great popular participation.