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.
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.
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.
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.
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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