Krampus Sightings on the Rise!  

Between the spectacle of crazed shoppers on Black Friday and the celebrations on Christmas Day, St. Nick’s opposite is coming to RI. Krampus and his goaty friends are coming — not to put children in sacks, but to welcome them and their families on a terrifyingly merry stroll through Providence. Saturday, December 3 will mark the first annual Krampus Walk Rhode Island.

Though you might be familiar with the 2015 horror-comedy of the same name, the Krampus legend goes back hundreds of years. Predating European Christian customs, the Krampus visited the naughty children during Krampusnacht, Krampus Night, on December 5 before the Feast of St. Nicholas, handing out ruten (bundles of birch) and coal. The ruten would be kept in homes all year as a reminder for all the children to be on their best behavior. However, the Rhode Island group of horned monsters covered in fur and chains are quite the friendly bunch.

Rich Sheridan, head of the nearly 200-member Krampus Society of New England (KSNE), has put together a “fun way to celebrate the holidays” by encouraging all to take part in the walk with the devilish looking creatures of Austrian-German folklore. Instead of swinging bundles of birch wood to frighten children, the event will act as a fun break during the holidays and that will help children as a drive for the popular Toys For Tots.

When he started the society four years ago, Sheridan was inspired by the Krampus walks in the US, in particular those in Texas. This year’s walk will start at 7pm at Prospect Terrace Park on Congdon Street and travel through College Hill passing landmarks and attending local establishments, such as the English Cellar Alehouse. “We’ll go in, sit down, have some costume contests, have some food, have some drinks, and then we’ll go onto the next place,” said Sheridan about the family-friendly event.

Costume contests? Yes, it’s not just open to the KSNE members, but all those attending are encouraged to dress up as their own Krampus, “scary Santa Claus, angry elves, neurotic snowmen,” or something even more sinister. So feel free to come as you are or as something much more fiendish. Children are welcome, but make sure they don’t bring any new pet goats home with them.

For information on the Krampus walk, check out the Facebook event at facebook.com/events/661891260632873. To learn more about the Krampus Society of New England, go to facebook.com/krampusnewengland.