Hundreds of Krampus incarnates swarmed the Výstaviště exhibition grounds on Nov. 24 for the anticipated annual show, haunting visitors with performative gore and an “unjustified” admission fee of CZK 390 for an unsatisfying experience.
This year, Výstaviště Praha hosted around 150 Krampus characters from Austrian groups, a change from previous shows since 2019, which featured only the Czech groups.
“Even though I thought it was really cool, I think there should be more free entertainment and stuff inside to justify a high fee,” said AAU student, Jess Cuff.
The grounds held two Krampus events that Sunday: one at 15:00 aimed at families with small children, and an evening show at 19:00 for adults or minors accompanied by an adult.
A randomly assigned photo slot with one to three hellish demons could be purchased for a group of up to five people for an additional CZK 420, granting visitors five printed photos and a 10-minute photoshoot anywhere between noon and 21:00.
“I randomly stumbled into a Krampus parade last year over by Tančící dům,” said AAU alum Simone Stansburry. “It was cool, but I would not pay CZK 390 to see that parade.”
Krampus, believed to originate from pagan rituals, was once considered a son of Hel, the Norse goddess of the dead. Despite opposition from the Catholic Church, the half-goat, half-demon figure became entwined with Christmas, accompanying St. Nicholas to punish naughty children by beating them with branches, eating them, or abducting them to Hell, according to some regional traditions.
Efforts to preserve the tradition emerged in the late 20th century, and the devilish figure is now internationally recognized, likely due to the 2015 horror film Krampus.
“I would definitely go again,” said Cuff. “Especially because I feel like it’s the kind of show that won’t be the same exact thing two years in a row.”
With the show evolving each year, it remains unclear what surprises or additional charges await visitors next year.
