Pfoffagonder Tuifl Saint Nicholas and Krampus Parade

An Alpine tradition in the heart of the Vinschgau Valley

The Pfoffagonder Tuifl Saint Nicholas and Krampus Parade is a traditional event held annually in Kastelbell-Tschars, a municipality in the Vinschgau Valley in the province of Bolzano, South Tyrol. It is one of the most anticipated Advent highlights in this corner of the region, where the ancient custom of the Tuifl—the alpine devils, the local version of the Krampus—is kept alive with great community spirit.

The Pfoffagonder Tuifl

The Pfoffagonder Tuifl association was founded in 2009-2010 by Georg Winkler and a group of friends, determined to revitalize a parade that had lost some of its luster over the years. From an initial core of about thirty members, the association has grown to over one hundred members today, becoming a benchmark for Krampus culture in the municipality. Since 2011, they have also operated a running group (Laufgruppe), and in 2012, the association was officially registered as a volunteer organization.

How the parade unfolds

The procession begins at dusk from the church square of Marein (Kirchplatz Marein), a hamlet of Kastelbell, and winds through the village to the main square and the music pavilion. Here, Saint Nicholas, the benevolent figure who rewards well-behaved children, distributes gifts, while the masked Tuifl—wearing elaborate costumes, hand-carved masks, and heavy cowbells—bring the evening to life according to the ancient alpine tradition where the devil accompanies the saint during Advent.

• Free horse-drawn carriage rides for children in the afternoon, starting in the early afternoon in the square
• Gift vouchers available for collection at selected local businesses
• Food and drink stalls serving hot refreshments
• Registration required for the gift distribution

Advent customs in Kastelbell-Tschars

The Tuifl tradition in Kastelbell-Tschars is not limited to a single evening. Alongside the Pfoffagonder Tuifl parade in the hamlet of Marein, the following day the Tschars Rural Youth (Gioventù Contadina) organizes its own procession, starting from the lower parking lot and crossing the town center to the square, where gifts are also distributed. These events, tied to the traditional dates of December 5th (Krampus Day) and December 6th (Saint Nicholas Day), preserve a centuries-old alpine cultural heritage, blending religious devotion with popular folklore.

An event for the whole community

The Pfoffagonder Tuifl parade attracts families, curious visitors, and enthusiasts of South Tyrolean culture every year. It is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the Advent atmosphere of the Vinschgau Valley, amidst the slightly eerie charm of the devil masks and the warmth of Saint Nicholas, set against one of the most beautiful landscapes in Trentino-Alto Adige.