Krampusumzug in Terenten

The Terento Krampusumzug

The Krampusumzug in Terenten is the event where the small municipality of Terento (Terenten in German), nestled on the sunny plateau of the Puster Valley in South Tyrol (province of Bolzano), celebrates one of the most deeply rooted winter traditions of the Alpine region. In early December, in the days leading up to St. Nicholas Day, the village center fills with unsettling and fascinating figures: the Krampus, the devils of the Alps.

Who are the Krampus?

The figure of the Krampus has roots in ancient pre-Christian customs. According to South Tyrolean tradition, the Krampus accompanies St. Nicholas on the night between December 5th and 6th: while the saint rewards good children, the horned devil is tasked with scaring and punishing the naughty ones. The costume is unmistakable: a hand-carved wooden mask with frightening features and large horns, a goatskin cloak covering the entire body, and huge cowbells and chains that accompany the creatures' gait with a deep, thunderous noise. Many of the most elaborate masks come from the nearby Ahrntal valley.

How the parade unfolds

On the afternoon of the event, entertainment begins along the streets of Terento's center. As darkness falls, Krampus groups from all over South Tyrol—including the local Schneabergtoifl of Terento—parade through the heart of the village amidst smoke, torches, and the deafening sound of cowbells. After the procession, the party continues around the Musikpavillon (music pavilion) with music, food, and mulled wine to warm spectators on the cold December evening. To allow the parade to take place safely, the state road 40 "Pustertaler Sonnenstraße" is temporarily closed to traffic during the procession.

An authentic experience in the Puster Valley

Unlike more tourist-oriented events, the Terento Krampusumzug retains a genuine, grassroots character, animated by local associations. It is an opportunity to experience South Tyrolean folklore up close in its original context, among the snow-capped mountains of the Puster Valley and the atmosphere of Advent. The event is perfect for fans of Alpine traditions, though caution is advised with small children, given the intense theatricality and the occasional close contact between the Krampus and the public.