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THE FRIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS

Satanic celebrations erupt in Austria as hundreds turn out as terrifying Christmas demon Krampus

TERRIFYING revellers take to the streets dressed as folklore legend Krampus in a creepy Christmas tradition.

The 'Henndorfer Perchtenlauf' event in Austria draws thousands of people as performers brandish flame torches and weapons to thrill the crowds.

The Krampus parade in Austria celebrates pre-Christian traditions
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The Krampus parade in Austria celebrates pre-Christian traditionsCredit: Rex Features
Thousands run through the streets dresses as the half goat, half demon folklore legend
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Thousands run through the streets dresses as the half goat, half demon folklore legendCredit: Rex Features
According to the legend, Krampus is the opposite of Father Christmas and punishes children who misbehave
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According to the legend, Krampus is the opposite of Father Christmas and punishes children who misbehaveCredit: Rex Features
Some legends also state that Krampus stuffs naughty children into his bag to eat them
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Some legends also state that Krampus stuffs naughty children into his bag to eat themCredit: Rex Features

They wear frightening Krampus costumes in celebration of the Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore legend.

The half-goat, half-demon is the exact opposite of Santa Claus and legend has it that Krampus punishes children who have misbehaved.

In the haunting pictures, performers can be seen wearing gruesome goat masks and fur coats as they run through billowing clouds of dark smoke.

Chi;dren and adults watch on as the terrifying performers run towards them - some brandishing weapons
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Chi;dren and adults watch on as the terrifying performers run towards them - some brandishing weaponsCredit: Rex Features
Others carry torches as they stomp through the streets as clouds of smoke billow through the air
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Others carry torches as they stomp through the streets as clouds of smoke billow through the airCredit: Rex Features
One performer carries a torch as he takes part in the celebration in Henndorf
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One performer carries a torch as he takes part in the celebration in HenndorfCredit: Rex Features
Performers pose for a picture during a break from the spooky tradition
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Performers pose for a picture during a break from the spooky traditionCredit: Rex Features

The performers - many on stilts - parade up to children in the crowds and bare their sharp teeth as they celebrate pre-Christian traditions.

Some brandish weapons such as pitchforks and smokebombs, while others have terrifying bloodshot eyes.

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Dozens stomp through Henndorf in Salzburg chasing children and adults with cowbells around their necks.

Last year, a Christmas comedy horror film – “Krampus” – based on the character was released, grossing over £1.4million at the UK box office.

Some of the performers wear stilts to terrorise the crowds in the Henndorfer Perchtenlauf celebration
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Some of the performers wear stilts to terrorise the crowds in the Henndorfer Perchtenlauf celebrationCredit: Rex Features
A Krampus performer lunges at the crowds in the creepy Christmas tradition
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A Krampus performer lunges at the crowds in the creepy Christmas traditionCredit: Rex Features
Another carries a smoke bomb as it runs through the streets
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Another carries a smoke bomb as it runs through the streetsCredit: Rex Features
The terrifying legend was the opposite of St Nick but would visit houses with him and punish children
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The terrifying legend was the opposite of St Nick but would visit houses with him and punish childrenCredit: Rex Features
Some children don't seem too fazed by the terrifying beast as they pose with performers
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Some children don't seem too fazed by the terrifying beast as they pose with performersCredit: Rex Features

Krampus historically comes around the night of December 5 alongside Santa Claus.

He visits houses all night with St. Nick and punishes naughty children.

Legend has it that throughout the Christmas season, misbehaved kids are beaten with birch branches or can disappear - stuffed into Krampus' sack and hauled off to his lair to be tortured or eaten.

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