Demonic self-test

Krampus run: The “Krone” puts on the mask

Including the bells, a Krampus run with up to 15 kilos of extra weight becomes strength training - apart from the limited visibility.(Bild: Nicole Loibnegger)

Following the recent increase in headlines about "evil" Krampuses and aggressive spectators, the "Krone" has now put itself to the test and slipped into the role of the demonic Bartl.

The barriers are in place, flames are already blazing from the barrels, heavy metal sounds are "screaming" from the loudspeakers - but the calm before the storm still prevails on the town square in Finkenstein in Carinthia. Then it's off to the fire station for a meeting with the chairmen of the 22 participating Krampus groups.