San Antonio's Krampus Parade is back, and growing
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Participants in the 2024 inaugural Krampus Parade in San Antonio. Photo: Courtesy of Harrison Scurry
The streets of Southtown will fill with costumed marchers decked out in hand-carved masks, chains and more Friday night as San Antonio's Krampus Parade returns even bigger than before.
Why it matters: Last year's inaugural parade drew a large crowd amid pushback from religious groups who said the event would open a "demonic portal." This year's parade doesn't appear to be garnering the same opposition.
- Organizers say they just want to have a good time with loved ones and celebrate King William's history as a home to German immigrants.
The latest: Beethoven Männerchor, the longtime hub for German culture in Southtown, will serve as the official pre- and post-parade hub for revelers this year. An expanded route will begin and end there.
- "We're happy to host the parade that brings Bavarian and Alpine lore to the forefront of San Antonio's curious public," Ken Weber, secretary/treasurer of Beethoven Männerchor, said in a statement.
Context: Krampus is a European tale about a demonic-looking creature who punishes naughty children while St. Nick rewards the good kids with gifts in their shoes.
- "Krampus Night," with roots in Austria and Germany, is when adults dress up as Krampus to frighten children into good behavior.
Zoom in: This year's parade will feature:
- The Bewitching Brujas, a local dancing witch troupe
- East Side ice-house legends in horseless carriages
- The Roosevelt Park Rough Riders Krewe, representing South Side punk rock on stilts
Flashback: Some Christian leaders last year condemned the parade, expressing concern that it would be a demonic celebration, scare children and lead residents to perversion.
- The Archdiocese of San Antonio said the event would be frightening. The Catholic Church has had a longstanding opposition to Krampus events, attempting to banish them during the 12th century.
By the numbers: All the debate appeared to fire up supporters, as the event drew about 10,000 people, including 150 who marched in costume.
- Organizers expect the number of costumed parade participants this year to more than double.
What they're saying: "At its heart, Krampus is a gentle reminder that even mischief has its price, wrapped in horns and holiday cheer," grand marshal Bob Crittenden said in a statement.
The other side: The San Antonio Family Association, which last year spoke against the Krampus Parade, did not respond to a request for comment from Axios.
If you go: The free parade begins at 7:30pm Friday.