Saint Nicolas et ses diables
Jean-Pierre Zirn
2005 - 59 min - Betacam & DV Cam - Couleur - France

On the evening of December 5th in Mitterndorf, a small Austrian village in the lake region, children can hardly contain their excitement as "Santa Claus" goes through the streets, hailing children and quizzing them on their catechism or their prayers.
As the night goes on, Saint Nicholas's procession continues. There is Lucifer, followed by "Schabs", bizarre figures, wearing dresses and straw masks. According to local tradition, they chase away the devils of winter through the rhythmical lashing of their whips.
They are accompanied by about fifty "Krampus", hairy characters, dressed in fur, wearing a devil's mask with horns. As they shake their chains, long red tongues of fire jut from their mouths. Everywhere they go they frighten you.
Woe to the disobedient! The Krampus will throw you in a basket and take you with them to Hell! While good children will get presents from Saint Nicolas!