4.2M views · 8.1K reactions | Krampus isn't exactly the stuff of dreams: Bearing horns, dark hair, fangs, and a long tongue, the anti-St. Nicholas comes with a chain and bells that he lashes about, along with a bundle of birch sticks meant to swat naughty children. | National Geographic | Facebook

The Krampus Parade in Itter is one of Austria’s most intense winter traditions, where performers dressed as horned, fur-covered monsters charge through the streets with bells, whips, and chains. Set against the snowy backdrop of Tyrol, the event blends pagan Alpine folklore with modern spectacle as Krampus “hunts” the crowds while St. Nicholas brings calm behind him. It’s loud, wild, and unforgettable — a celebration that turns the quiet village into a living piece of ancient mythology. #culture