San Antonio’s first downtown Krampus parade draws over 1,000 participants

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio’s first-ever Krampus parade in the King William neighborhood was a success for excited parade participants.

Over 1,000 people lined the neighborhood’s streets to catch a glimpse of the dozens of people dressed as the fictional character Krampus.

Krampus is a fictional character of German origin. He is the counterpart of Saint Nick, half-goat, half-demon monster.

Participants like Jill Morgan were looking forward to the first parade in San Antonio. Morgan said she and her family have been celebrating the tradition of Krampus for decades.

“I’ve celebrated it my whole life,” Morgan said.

She described her feelings about Krampus as a child as “terrifying” but still something she looks forward to every year.

“When we were younger, if you were bad, you might not make it to the next day because you were taken with Krampus to where the bad kids go,” Morgan said.

For some, however, the petrifying figure is not something they can simply look away from. A few people came to protest.

One man held up a Bible along the parade route and repeated verses while saying, “Jesus loves you.” Others in opposition expressed their feelings toward each other but chose not to speak on camera. Instead, they watched the parade to see what would happen.

“People should just accept and be open-minded to other people and their own celebrations,” said participant Renee. “I feel like everyone should be celebrated.”

Several participants said they hope to see another Krampus parade in the Alamo City next year.