St. Nicholas Procession and Krampus Parade in Silandro

A centuries-old tradition in Val Venosta

The Nikolauseinzug mit Krampussen (St. Nicholas Procession and Krampus Parade) is one of the most anticipated winter events in Silandro/Schlanders, the main town of Val Venosta in the Province of Bolzano (Trentino-Alto Adige region). For over fifty years, the Nikolauskomitee Schlanders has kept this ancient South Tyrolean custom alive, animating the town's historic center every December 5th with one of the most spectacular and authentic representations of the Alpine Advent.

Krampus in the pedestrian zone

In the early afternoon, starting from 2:00 PM, over one hundred Krampus dressed in sheepskins and wearing eerie, hand-carved wooden masks roam the pedestrian area of Silandro. According to the ancient Gothic custom, these demonic figures represent evil and chase "naughty" children through the streets of the center, in stark contrast to the benevolent figure of St. Nicholas, the symbol of good.

The solemn St. Nicholas parade

The highlight is the grand evening parade, which begins around 5:00 PM from Andreas-Hofer-Straße, near the Kulturhaus. The procession follows a precise order: the wild Krampus lead the way, followed by the mask carvers, the Scheller (bell-ringers), and small Krampus with bells. Then comes the musical float accompanied by the firefighters' torchbearers and the brass band, a group of fifteen to twenty angels with golden wings and lanterns, and finally St. Nicholas on his carriage, distributing sweets to the children. The parade concludes with the Paktlwagen with Knecht Ruprecht, loaded with hundreds of gift bags, the characteristic Schmiedwagen (blacksmith's cart), and a final group of Krampus.

The route and conclusion

The procession crosses the center of Silandro, passing in front of the nursing home and the hospital to bring a moment of celebration to those who cannot reach the square. The parade ends at the Musikpavillon in Plawennpark, where St. Nicholas delivers his traditional annual speech to the children and all the spectators.

A charitable event

The event also has a charitable dimension: the proceeds from the sale of St. Nicholas gift bags are donated to charity. This is one more reason to participate in this popular festival that combines faith, folklore, spectacle, and a sense of community, attracting families and curious visitors from all over Val Venosta and beyond every year.