SAN ANTONIO — Fans of all things creepy will be thrilled to learn that San Antonio’s Krampus parade is back for a second year.
Krampus Portal, which put on the first Krampus parade last December, announced the return of Krampus will happen on Friday, Dec. 5, in the city’s King William District at 7:30 p.m. The event boasts “dazzling costumes, glowing lanterns, and a night of mischief, magic, and Gemütlichkeit— that cozy blend of warmth, cheer, and togetherness.”
That merry description is juxtaposed by Krampus’ spooky lore.
In European folklore, Krampus is a devious half-goat, half-demon figure that punishes misbehaving children the night before Saint Nicholas Day on Dec. 6. Krampus essentially serves as the inverse of the jolly Saint Nicholas, who rewards good children with presents.
The second annual Krampus parade is free and open to all ages. Those looking to march in the parade have until Nov. 16 to register.
According to the event’s website, the inaugural parade reached approximately 10,000 attendees last year. It initially received backlash from religious groups who stood outside San Antonio City Hall to protest the parade.