Are you looking to attend your first Krampus or Perchten Run? If so, you're in the right place. Here are some helpful tips to help you prepare for an unforgettable few hours of entertainment.

1) Arrive at least one hour before the event; I’d say even 90 minutes if you attend a run in a larger city such as Munich or Salzburg. This allows you time to scope out the best spot and get into a place with plenty of time before the event starts.

2) Use the toilet right before the event, even if someone is holding your spot. It isn't ideal to navigate through hundreds, if not thousands, of spectators to use the restroom mid-event.

3) Bring a small, collapsible camping stool or seat. If you arrive early before the event, you will have a place to sit if needed. Fold it up when the run starts.

4) Wear layers and prepare for any weather. In Germany, it can go from sunshine to snow to rain in an hour, so you must be prepared. The cold will set in since you will likely sit and stand for a while. Prepare with gloves, rechargeable hand warmers, rain jackets, hats, thick socks and weather-resistant clothing.

a. Umbrellas are great for walking around but not so great when standing in a large crowd. Rain runs off them onto people around you, obstructing others’ views and causing nuisances for the person next to you. I highly encourage using rain ponchos instead of umbrellas for events like these; your neighbors will thank you.

5) Know what you are getting into. Really. If you are in the front row, you will be a target, even more so if you are holding a camera. During the Perchten run I attended, I was charged (playfully) several times, whipped once, and had countless Percthen members get up close to my lens. Krampus runs are more aggressive, so you might be grabbed or whipped. Don’t stand in the front row if you want to avoid this.

6) Leave your preconceived beliefs at home and enjoy the experience. It might make you uncomfortable, but that’s okay.

These “mystical” runs are a way for people from the Alpine regions and beyond to stay connected to their roots and provide a source of entertainment for spectators. I recommend attending a run at least once should you find yourself in an area in Europe with them. Bravely stand in that front row and get an up close and personal glimpse of these incredibly intricate costumes. It’s an experience you will never forget!

6 Tips for Attending a Krampus or Perchten Run

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