Christmas traditions in the Alps

December has begun, preparations begin to celebrate Christmas. There are many Christmas traditions in the Alps. Each Alpine region has its own.

Christmas is first and foremost a religious holiday. It is a major celebration for Christians, who celebrate the birth of Christ. The territories of the Alpine countries were gradually built around the lands owned by the Church, the monasteries and the struggles for influence between spiritual and temporal power. The regions were shaped by the influences of the religious wars, which themselves moved territories.

All this history has transmitted different customs and traditions of the celebration of the Christmas time in the Alps depending on regions and countries.

Depending on cultural influences, the celebrations of Advent (the month of December before Christmas), St. Nicholas Day (December 6), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and Epiphany will have different significance. Added to this are ancient pagan beliefs from the depths of history, when the mountains were populated by demons and wild beasts.

Christmas in the Alps: where do we celebrate Saint Nicholas?

Every year on December 6, the Alpine regions celebrate the feast of Saint Nicolas, an emblematic character of Christian and popular culture. Recognized for its historical depth and festive character, this tradition combines legends, religious rituals and local customs. But who is Saint Nicholas, and why is this celebration so important in the Alps? Let's look back at its origins and its evolution in this region.

Saint Nicholas is inspired by Nicholas of Myre, a bishop who lived in the 4th century in Lycia, in present-day Turkey. Known for his generosity, he is particularly famous for a legend in which he saved three children killed by a butcher, miraculously bringing them back to life. This miracle made him the protector of children and a symbol of goodness. Since the Middle Ages, he has been venerated in many parts of Europe, becoming the patron saint of children, sailors and travelers.

In the Alps, we celebrate Saint Nicholas, because his tradition developed thanks to the trade and religious routes that crossed this region. Exchanges between mountain communities and missionaries allowed his cult to spread. In addition, the Alpine populations, often faced with difficult living conditions and natural dangers, found in Saint Nicholas a protective figure. His role as guardian of the weak and the young echoed the needs of these isolated communities.

However, the celebration of Saint Nicholas in the Alps is not limited to a simple religious homage. It is accompanied by spectacular local customs, including the presence of disturbing characters such as the Krampus. We will discuss this character in detail in the next paragraph. These dark figures represent the opposite of Saint Nicholas: while the saint rewards good children, his companions punish the disobedient. These characters add a theatrical dimension to the festival, marked by parades, processions and playful interactions with the public.

Krampus Night is a night of impressive parades to scare children and remind them of the importance of virtue. The next day, Saint Nicholas appears to reward good children with sweets, nuts and tangerines, symbols of abundance and generosity.

The Saint Nicholas markets, close to the Christmas markets, are also an essential aspect of this tradition. They offer an immersion in local crafts and gastronomy, with products such as spice biscuits, gingerbread and handmade objects. These markets are places of conviviality, where locals meet to prepare for the December festivities.

Celebrations vary from region to region. Austria, cities like Salzburg and Innsbruck hold impressive parades where Saint Nicholas and the Krampus parade together. In the South Tyrol, villages like Bressanone and Bolzano celebrate this festival by mixing Christian and pagan traditions. France, particularly in Haute-Savoie, Saint-Nicolas takes a more religious form, with processions and masses in the villages. Finally, in Switzerland, cities like Zurich or Fribourg organize family parades marked by a festive atmosphere.

La Saint Nicholas Day embodies a true cultural heritage, transmitting educational values ​​and stories filled with legends. It recalls the importance of generosity and goodness in a world often marked by adversity. In the Alps, this tradition continues to live on, mixing the sacred and the festive, the past and the present, and bringing communities together around a common heritage.

Christmas in the Alps: who are the Krampus?

The Krampus, disturbing creatures of Alpine folklore, embody a tradition as fascinating as it is terrifying, deeply rooted in the mountains of Central Europe. These horned beings, half-men, half-demons, emerge every year at the beginning of December, mainly on the 5th, during the famous krampusnacht (Night of the Krampus). They haunt the streets to punish disobedient children, offering a striking contrast to Saint Nicholas, a figure of kindness and generosity.

The Krampus' origins date back to pre-Christian times. They are associated with pagan rituals related to the winter solstice, a time when Alpine populations sought to drive out evil spirits and purify their villages. Their name comes from the Old High German cramps, which means "claw". With the evangelization of the Alps, these creatures were integrated into Christian celebrations, becoming the dark companions of Saint Nicholas.

The 6 December, Saint Nicholas Day, the saint rewards good children with gifts. But the day before, the Krampus intervene to punish disobedient children, threatening them with beatings or pretending to carry them away in a bag. This duality between good and evil embodies an educational message: the need to behave virtuously.

Krampus costumes are impressive. Handcrafted, they consist of carved wooden masks depicting grotesque faces, often adorned with goat or billy goat horns. The wearers wear thick fur and swing chains and bells to accentuate their terrifying appearance. This craft, passed down from generation to generation, is an integral part of the tradition.

La krampusnacht, celebrated on December 5, is the highlight of this tradition. The Krampus runs, or Krampus parades, bring the streets of Alpine villages to life. Spectators, with a mixture of fear and fascination, flock to admire these creatures in action. The Krampus sometimes chase children, adding a dose of adrenaline to the party. These parades are often accompanied by traditional music, bonfires and Christmas markets.

The Krampus parades are particularly lively in Austria, especially in Salzburg, Innsbruck and the Gastein Valley. Bavaria, in Munich or Berchtesgaden, the tradition remains strong. In Italy, in South Tyrol, villages like Bolzano and Bressanone also offer memorable spectacles. In Switzerland, although more recent, this custom is gaining popularity, especially in the German-speaking regions.

The Krampusläufe are much more than festive events: they perpetuate a rich local culture and preserve a form of popular theater. Each parade is a celebration of Alpine identity, blending history, crafts and folklore. In a modern society, these rituals offer a tangible reminder of ancestral traditions.

Although their appearances may frighten young viewers, the Krampus embody a universal lesson about discipline and morality. Their presence emphasizes the importance of family values ​​and good deeds, while adding a touch of drama and spectacle to Christmas celebrations.

You have to have attended a Krampus parade to realize that it is an unforgettable experience that will transport you to a world where myths and legends come to life, reminding you that shadow and light are inseparable from the spirit of Christmas.

Who are the Perchten, out between Christmas and New Year in the Alps?

Perchten are masked figures in Alpine folklore, representing the duality between good and evil. The term "Perchten" is the plural of "Perchta", an ancient goddess associated with light and darkness. Perchten parades, called "Perchtenläufe", take place mainly between Christmas and Epiphany, a period known as "Rauhnächte". These events are intended to drive away evil spirits and ensure prosperity for the coming year.

The Perchten are divided into two categories:

• Schönperchten : the “beautiful Perchten”, symbolizing light and benevolence.
• Schiachperchten : the “ugly Perchten”, representing dark and chaotic forces.

Perchtenläufe are particularly widespread in Austria and Bavaria. Here are some notable locations and dates to witness these parades:

• Salzburg, Austria Around December 6th, numerous Krampus and Perchten parades take place in the city of Salzburg, especially in the Old Town and Linzergasse.
• Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria : On January 6, the great Pongauer Perchtenlauf takes place in this locality, perpetuating a centuries-old tradition.
• Inn-Salzach region, Bavaria, Germany : Various Perchten parades take place in December in the districts of Altötting and Mühldorf, providing a mystical and festive atmosphere.
• Munich (GER)  The city also organizes Krampus- and Perchtenläufe during Advent, especially on Marienplatz, attracting many spectators.

La Befana, to conclude the Christmas celebrations in the Italian Alps

La Befana, an emblematic figure of Epiphany in Italy, occupies a unique place in the traditions of the northern Alpine regions, particularly in the Trentino-Alto Adige, Veneto and Lombardie.

Its origins date back to pre-Christian pagan beliefs, where it embodied rites related to the agricultural cycle and the winter solstice. La Befana then represented the end of the year and the arrival of a new period, taking with her the evil spirits to guarantee prosperous harvests. With Christianization, this figure became part of the story of the Three Wise Men. According to legend, the Epiphany She initially refused to accompany them to Bethlehem, but, overcome with regret, she has since that night traveled the world to offer gifts to children, hoping to find the baby Jesus there. She has thus become a symbol of generosity, personified by an old woman dressed in rags, equipped with a broom symbolizing both her means of transport and her purifying function.

Durant the night of January 5-6, Befana visits homes to leave gifts in the stockings of good children: sweets, dried fruit or small toys. Children who have not been obedient receive coal, often made of black sugar, a joke now seen with humor.

In Italian Alps, the Befana is expressed through traditions specific to each region. In Trentino-Alto Adige, costumed processions feature the old woman, accompanied by traditional songs and folk stories. Bolzano et Merano, Christmas markets extend until Epiphany, featuring stalls dedicated to Befana, where visitors can discover sweets and crafts. Veneto, the tradition of the "Panevin" is alive: bonfires are lit to mark the end of winter and welcome the Befana, symbolizing renewal and hope for the year to come. In Verona, public events celebrate her arrival, often with distributions of sweets for children. In Lombardie, in Bergamo, festive parades are organized, while children carefully prepare their socks to receive their surprises. In Milan, the Befana is also associated with charitable initiatives, with disguised volunteers visiting hospitals to bring gifts to sick children. In the Friuli Venezia Giulia, purification rituals by fire accompany the celebration. Dolls in the image of Befana are burned in some villages to mark the end of the past year and purify the year to come.

Through these customs, the Befana in the Alps is not limited to a role of gift-giver: she embodies a symbolic transition between the old and the new, where elements of purification, fertility and renewal are mixed. Today, this tradition remains deeply alive, perpetuated by families and communities attached to their cultural roots. Beyond its folklore, the Befana represents a moment of sharing and generosity, marking the end of the Christmas festivities with warmth and hope for the year that begins.

Christmas markets in the Alps: ancestral events!

Christmas markets in the Alps have their origins in the Middle Ages, inspired by Germanic traditions where artisans presented their creations at winter fairs.

This custom gradually spread to the Alpine regions, embracing local specificities and mountain traditions. The development of these markets in the Alps responded to a need for community gatherings during the long winter months, offering residents the opportunity to purchase craft products, festive foods and gifts in anticipation of Christmas celebrations. They also served as places of cultural exchange, strengthening the social fabric of Alpine villages.

Today the Christmas markets in the Alps have become major tourist attractions, attracting visitors from all over the world. They contribute significantly to the local economy by stimulating trade, crafts and the tourism sector. In addition, they preserve and enhance the regional cultural heritage, offering typical products, traditional shows and authentic decorations, thus strengthening the cultural identity of the Alpine communities. In short, the Christmas markets in the Alps are a reflection of a centuries-old tradition that combines conviviality, local economy and cultural preservation, offering a unique experience for both locals and visitors.

Among the most festive Christmas markets we will remember the following:

• Christmas in the Alps in Annecy : From the end of November to the beginning of January, Annecy is transformed into a magical village with illuminations, craft markets and entertainment for all ages.

• Govone Christmas Market : The village of Govone, in the Roero hills between Cuneo and Asti, facing the Alps, hosts one of the largest Christmas markets in Italy, with craft stalls, shows and the House of Santa Claus.
• Fair of the Immaculate in Turin : Every December 8, Turin celebrates this traditional fair with stalls offering local artisanal and gastronomic products.

• Green Christmas Market at Aoste : From the end of November to the beginning of January, the city of Aosta is adorned with wooden chalets where artisans and local producers offer handmade objects and gastronomic specialties.
• Micòoula Festival in Hône : At the beginning of December, the village of Hône celebrates this traditional bread enriched with dried fruits, with tastings and cultural events.
• Montreux Christmas Market : Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this market offers a magical atmosphere with decorated chalets, artisanal products and Santa's House accessible by cogwheel train.
• Bern Christmas Market : Located on Münsterplatz, this market offers artisanal products and local specialties in a historic setting.
• Chur Christmas Market : The oldest city in Switzerland hosts a festive market with stalls selling crafts and local gastronomy.
• Innsbruck Christmas Market : With the Alps as a backdrop, this market offers Tyrolean crafts, decorations and specialties.
• Bolzano Christmas Market : The largest Christmas market in Italy, with craft stalls, Tyrolean specialties and concerts.

Christmas traditions in the Alpine countries reflect a unique cultural richness, blending folklore, spirituality and conviviality. From lively Christmas markets to spectacular Krampus and Perchten parades, Saint Nicholas celebrations and the gentle magic of Befana, each region expresses its roots through deeply rooted customs. They bring communities together around festive events, creating a strong link between the past and the present. In the heart of winter, they invite us to celebrate not only Christmas, but also hope and harmony, making this period a time of sharing and transmission in these timeless mountains. Of course, many delicious culinary specialties accompany the festivities. These will be the subject of a future article.

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