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Presents and fear at Christmas play - 14th December 2022

December 6th is Saint Nicholas Day in many countries in Europe. Children find small presents on their bed or in their shoes. That's if they've been good. But if they've been naughty, they just receive a piece of wood or black coal.

In the town of Bad Mitterndorf, Austria, children often feel nervous the day before. Local people take part in a play. The men wear big black costumes that are made of sheepskin. They're the 'Krampus'. With masks on their faces, they look scary.

Daniela Puercher often attends.

Daniela Puercher: 'For those who are attending for the first time, it's definitely chilling. It's dark, there's electricity in the air. The atmosphere is special. You hear the bells ringing and then the characters appear. Even with the experience, you are still impressed.'

'The children, of course they are afraid, especially those who have not been good during the year.'

The group of 130 performers travels through the town. At the front, 12 frightening figures clear the streets. At each stop, Saint Nicholas questions children on their understanding of the Church. If the children's answers are correct, they're given a bag of sweets. If not, they're taken off by the Krampus.

The play's been in Bad Mitterndorf for 150 years and the tradition's now recognised by UNESCO. And Martin Rainer, the organiser, is confident it will continue for decades in the future.

Martin Rainer: 'We in the region are very proud that we have managed to keep this tradition in its original form for all these decades. And we are convinced that with the demand we are already receiving, the next generation will be able to take over without any problems in the coming decades.'

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