It started small. An intrepid group of Krampus enthusiasts, plus a few folks who had never even heard the name, came together in 2024 with the goal of bringing a newfangled holiday spectacle to San Antonio, one with centuries of history and both a dark and festive side. Inspired by the olden Alpine tradition and the creativity it could unleash in our city, these founding members, known as the Valkyries von Krampus, introduced the city to its very first Krampus Parade on December 5, 2024.
The Krampus SA story actually began in 2023 when Jen Stanford organized a small “Nacht von Krampus” at the Rathskeller Bar featuring the Beethoven Maennerchor, The Whale jazz duo, plus art and photos with Krampus. On the tails of this successful event, Jen asked fellow Krampus enthusiast Bob Crittenden to organize a parade for the following year.
By early December 2024 more than 18 “krewes” were registered for the inaugural parade, amounting to more than 100 marchers:
- Grupo Folklorico de Benediciones, leading the way
- Bewitching Brujas, the first krewe to sign up, forever in our hearts
- Eishaus von der Ostseite with magical horseless carriages
- Towering Krewe of Preternatural Puppets
- Roosevelt Park Rough Riders Krewe, led by Jacob-on-stilts
- The Haunted Dollhouse Museum Krewe
- Zahn Gott Krewe
- Benevolent Krewe of St Nikolaus of Adams Strasse
- Lestire, Lestat and the Seductive Bats
- San Antonio Social Riders Krewe
- Southtown’s very own Wild Dawgs
- Southtown Joe’s Krewe
- The Krewe of Winter White
- Wilhelm’s Angels Krewe
- Krewe of Gruner Steinman, with their AMAZING Krampus
- Gusto Group Krewe
- Guenther Street Gang and Southtown Mendacity Society mashup
- Last but not least, the Valkyries von Krampus
The 2024 parade began at the Blue Star Arts Complex and proceeded through the King William neighborhood along King William Street. In keeping with the initial tradition, the parade culminated at the Rathskeller Bar where the Beethoven Maennerchor Dance Band and The Whale jazz duo performed to a fully packed house as Krampus conquered St. Nick in an acrobat wrestling match and Calaveras Tattoo artists inked ‘Kramp Stamps’ on brave and willing valiants. Meanwhile the Southtown neighborhood and businesses were teeming with thousands of spectators of all ages, with revelry lasting into the night. Some say parade attendance reached 10,000 onlookers.
These pioneers didn’t just bring Krampus to San Antonio—they built a movement, weaving together local culture with old-world folklore to create something truly unforgettable.
But their work doesn’t stop with the parade. This team is committed to keeping the Krampus spirit alive year-round—including a Fiesta Krampus event that will bring an unexpected twist to San Antonio’s most famous festival.
The legacy of Krampus in San Antonio is just getting started. Will you join us in keeping the tradition alive?
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