Horned monster to star in first annual Kamloops Krampus parade and market

A shaggy, half-demon monster with curved horns is the starring character of a raucous, jubilant holiday celebration coming to the streets of Kamloops for the first time Saturday. Born out of ancient European folklore, Krampus is a half-goat, half-demon monster that punishes naughty children at Christmas time. “Krampus is kind of a symbol for justice,” said one of the parade organizers Juli Harland. “If you’re good, you don’t need to worry, he only takes care of the naughty ones.” Residents can expect to see a procession of drummers, spinners and characters with scary masks and costumes make its way from Pioneer Park to the Sandman Arena on Dec. 7, and both Krampus and Santa will be there. “It’s for people of all ages, it’s very performative and a fun way to bring the community together,” Harland said. The parade is put on by Kamloops Krampus https://kamloopskrampus.ca/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1MnGbStEI7LbG0RTDf_BiwfNDzKrNwUQJVRSta9JKS4Sxj7_JSsqCUMIg_aem_rlkDWFQG8AOdrb3vtEg7dQ , an organization that began last year when Harland and fellow organizer Kristina Erickson came up with the idea over a few Christmas cocktails. “We were sitting on the back porch and were lamenting the loss of witch walks and zombie walks and thought, Kamloops needs a Krampus event, someone should do that,” Harland said. “Then we suddenly realized, we should do it.” READ MORE: Chopping down your own Christmas tree this year? Not so fast... https://infotel.ca/inhome/chopping-down-your-own-christmas-tree-this-year-not-so-fast/it107368 Kamloops Krampus is run by members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and allies, dedicated to being a safe space for everyone. They have been in the community this year doing workshops, community events, markets and art displays. The parade is the first of its kind in the tournament capital and the biggest event Harland has helped organize. “We’ve been blessed with a lot of great support from the community to get out and do creative things,” she said. “It’s about costumes and being a little bit ridiculous. It’s about celebration and togetherness, folklore and fun.” READ MORE: Okanagan, Kamloops real estate sales still lagging https://infotel.ca/inhome/okanagan-kamloops-real-estate-sales-still-lagging/it107389 The imaginative parade will conclude at the Sandman Centre arena where a market of local vendors awaits, and there will be food and games. “There will be photo opportunities, a pinata and an axe throwing game,” Harland said. “Buddy the Elf might appear along with Sparks the big furry dog, we’ve got a lot happening.” Later in the night, adult party goers can continue onto the after party at Valhalla Smoke House to hear the band Gregorious play and watch some Kamloops burlesque performers. “People will be spinning fire and we have spicy food vendors,” Harland said. “There is lots of food, it’s about eating, drinking and being merry.” READ MORE: Kamloops city councillor's secret recording scandal far from over https://infotel.ca/newsitem/kamloops-city-councillors-secret-recording-scandal-far-from-over/it107373 According to Britannica https://www.britannica.com/topic/Krampus , Krampus is a central European legend believed to have originated in Germany. The name Krampus comes from the German word Krampen, meaning 'claw'. The monster is thought to have been a part of pagan rituals for the winter solstice and later became associated with St. Nicholas following the spread of Christianity. Both characters are said to arrive on the night of Dec. 5, the eve of St. Nicholas Day, where St. Nicholas leaves presents for good children, and Krampus beats naughty children with branches and sticks. Krampus has grown in popularity around the world since the late 1990s and has since become a character in numerous horror films. READ MORE: iN PHOTOS: Cute pets dressed up for the holiday season in Kamloops, Okanagan https://infotel.ca/newsitem/in-photos-cute-pets-dressed-up-for-the-holiday-season-in-kamloops-okanagan/it107376 The parade starts at 4 p.m. at Pioneer Park and Beach located on 7 Avenue. The Krampus Market runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is located in the Kia Lounge at Sandman Arena at 300 Lorne Street. The after party starts at 8 p.m. at Valhalla Smoke House located at 1850 Mission Flats Road. There are still tickets available, but it is advised to register ahead of time here to ensure a spot. https://www.facebook.com/events/1665778437322965?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D To contact a reporter for this story, email Shannon Ainslie mailto:sainslie@infonews.ca  or call 250-819-6089 or email the editor mailto:news@infonews.ca . You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom mailto:tips@infonews.ca  and be entered to win a monthly prize draw. We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. SUBSCRIBE to our awesome newsletter here https://infotel.ca/newsletter .