Saint Nicholas Visit and Krampus Show in Monguelfo

Saint Nicholas and the Krampus in Monguelfo

In the municipality of Monguelfo-Tesido (Welsberg-Taisten), located in the Puster Valley, the Saint Nicholas celebration is one of the most cherished winter events in South Tyrol. At the beginning of December, the town center comes alive with the Krampus parade and the visit of Saint Nicholas, two moments that blend ancestral fear with festive joy for children, following a ritual that repeats every year in the heart of the Trentino-Alto Adige region.

Who are the Krampus?

The Krampus are diabolical figures from Alpine folklore: horned creatures covered in fur, with terrifying faces carved from wood and heavy cowbells at their waists. According to tradition, they appear on the evening of December 5th to frighten and punish children who have misbehaved, while the following day, Saint Nicholas rewards the good ones with sweets and gifts. The origins of these figures are rooted in ancient pagan winter rites—noisy processions designed to drive away evil spirits and encourage the return of the sun.

Two Evenings of Celebration

The event spans two days. On the first evening, groups of Krampus march through the village streets in a procession of torches and mist, interacting with the crowds lining the route. The following evening is dedicated to the visit of Saint Nicholas, who personally greets children in the square with small surprises, before the village transforms once again into a dark stage for the evening Krampus show, where various groups showcase their terrifying skills.

A Puster Valley Tradition

Monguelfo is part of a dense calendar of parades that stretches from the Upper Puster Valley to the Venosta Valley, featuring groups arriving from as far as Austria and Germany. In the nearby Casies Valley, the Krampus tradition is particularly deep-rooted, with events where various South Tyrolean groups compete to stage the most spectacular and authentic performance. Experiencing the Saint Nicholas evening in Monguelfo means immersing yourself in a cultural heritage shared by the entire German-speaking community of South Tyrol.

Tips for Your Visit

The event takes place outdoors during the cold evenings of early December: warm clothing and footwear suitable for snow are highly recommended. As this is an intense and noisy spectacle featuring intentionally frightening figures, participation for young children should be carefully considered. Admission is free, and the atmosphere—filled with torches, masks, and cowbells—remains one of the most authentic memories of a winter stay in the Puster Valley.