Santa Claus parades in Venosta Valley

Santa Claus parades are a rich tradition all over South Tyrol, and take place every year on 6 December on the feast day of St. Nicholas. The processions of white-robed saints are preceded by a wild commotion, which begins actually the day before, because on 5 December, the “devils”, or so-called Krampus, get up to their mischief. On the other hand, every valley and village has its own way of celebrating this archaic noise ritual. Some of the finest and most ancient traditions can be found in the Venosta Valley, namely the Klosn in Stelvio/Stilfs. In Prato/Prad, in various places around Upper Venosta Valley or even in the main town of Silandro, the wild men with their hellish skins and horns come together to create havoc. For example, the celebration of the Tuifl & Krampustreffen, which means the meeting of the devils and Krampus, is held in Laces/Latsch or Tarces/Tartsch, while Pfoffagonder devils gather at Castelbello/Kastelbell and the Koatlacker devil s in Prato allo Stelvio/Prad am Stilfserjoch parade in their masks and costumes.