Krampus Comes to New Americans Museum
Could Krampus be a New American? This creature of European holiday folklore is popular in the Alpine regions of Europe and is celebrated with Krampus Parades on the 5th of December, the day before St. Nicholas's Feast Day. Krampus customs have recently started to be adopted in Southern California, and on December 1 the Krampus will visit NAM during Friday Night Liberty. We are excited to host Krampus expert, Executive Director of Krampus Los Angeles, and author of The Krampus and the Old, Dark Christmas: Roots and Rebirth of the Folkloric Devil, Al Ridenour. Mr. Ridenour will be sharing with us the origins and traditions of this European "Christmas devil" and the work of Krampus Los Angeles, the first troupe of its kind to bring the Krampus to Southern California. The evening will be highlighted by a visit from the Krampus himself! The galleries will open at 5 pm and the talk will begin at 7 pm. Suggested donation of $10.