Unconscious & injured

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The traditions of Krampus and Perchten are centuries old - but nowadays runs are becoming increasingly dangerous - and for the mask wearers.(Bild: Uta Rojsek-Wiedergut)

At the Krampus run in Knappenberg in the district of St. Veit an der Glan (Carinthia) at the weekend, a masked man was injured by a visitor. The 55-year-old woman pulled the young man by the horns several times until he fell to the ground unconscious.

The mask wearers want to keep the old customs of Krampus and Perchten alive, amaze visitors and perhaps scare them a little - but the masked figures are now more afraid of the guests.

Visitors are constantly being attacked. Like on Sunday in Knappenberg.

During the Perchtenlauf, a 55-year-old woman from St. Veit yanked a mask wearer by the horns several times. The 21-year-old lost consciousness and fell to the ground. He had to be taken to Friesach hospital with stabbing pain in his neck. The woman is being charged.