What is Krampus?
Krampus is a mystical creature from Austrian folklore. The horned figure is usually depicted as a goat-like figure with long black fur and a pointed tongue. Krampus is said to accompany St Nicholas on his rounds on the run up to Christmas to ‘punish’ misbehaving children.
The legend of Krampus is celebrated across much of Europe, but the Whitby Krampus run was the first of its kind in the UK. Festival organisers have tailored the event to include local history and the wider Whitby community is heavily involved across the fun-filled festive weekend.
Schedule
The official schedule is yet to be released, but the event tends to follow a similar format each year.
Saturday
Typically, the festival starts with a series of family friendly activities at the Chapel on the Hill. Children can make their own masks to wear throughout the festivities and sit on the Krampus throne.
The parade itself usually starts at the Bandstand at mid-afternoon and snakes through Whitby’s narrow streets to the Whalebones. The parade comprises of around 50 Krampuses dressed in full regalia. Drummers and fire breathers stop to entertain the crowds at various points along the route.
Festival organisers work hard to blend traditions wherever possible. Everyone taking part in the parade is blessed with Whitby Salt and some carry models of Whitby Wyrm – a dragon like figure said to live on the headland, next to Whitby Abbey.
The first day ends with ‘Thee Krampus Ball’ at the Met Lounge & Ballroom. This is a ticketed event.
Sunday
Sunday is a quieter affair. Krampus can be spotted throughout the town, but there is no formal parade.
The event ends with the Hoss Race on the headland.
Whitby Krampus Run helps raise much needed funds for St Catherine’s Hospice and the Whitby Wildlife Sanctuary.