SAN ANTONIO — Some people love Santa, others love his devious counterpart, Krampus. Particularly some San Antonians, where the first-ever Krampus parade in the city is set to take place.
The parade is set for Thursday, Dec. 5, starting at 6:30 p.m. The parade will terrorize downtown and the King William historic neighborhood.
Krampus is a folkloric demon recognized in various celebrations globally. The parade is receiving backlash from a local religious leaders. On Friday, a group of religious figures stood in front of City Hall and denounced the parade.
“This is an attack on our kids and Krampus is not welcomed in San Antonio,” said Pastor Mark Lugo of San Antonio Impact Ministries. “It’s a demon that comes in and drags naughty kids to hell.”
Event organizers have declared the event as PG-13.
The parade is organized on behalf of Hermann Sons Hall and is based on European gatherings that pay homage to a Krampus, who punishes naughty kids at Christmastime. Krampus is usually depicted with horns and other devilish characteristics.
The parade will begin at 6:30 p.m. at Blue Star Art Complex and end at Rathskeller Bar.