A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to attend or participate in the 5th Annual Milwaukee Krampusnacht! It is was our biggest yet and a huge success. If you’re interested in hearing more how it went, how you can be involved in the event next year, and some things we might expand on, we’ll have a report on the event here early next week. We will be back big in 2023!
Best Place’s Great Hall: The American Science & Surplus Holiday Market
Outside the Great HallInside the Great HallEvent sponsor American Science & Surplus, our favorite store!Krampusnacht attendeesEvent sponsors Feral House, publishers of “The Krampus” by Al Ridenour, among many other fine books.Stinky Goblin Emporium. They are the ones who create our badass art every year for our T-shirts and other merch. Krampusnacht attendeeVendor Momento MoiraVendor Beyer BewareKrampusnacht attendeeEvent sponsor Hellfire Hot Sauce. Were you brave enough to sample?One of our traditions is a white elephant exchange. This year it was set up in Capt. Pabst’s former office. Some say Capt. Pabst’s ghost still wanders the building. This year we also set up a memorial to some participants and friends of the event who have passed on– Scott Wolter, Curtis Meyer aka Deadgar Winter, Linda Godfrey, and Louis Dubrosky. Thank you to Estephanie Mendoza for setting this up. Speaking of, here’s the table for Mendoza Illustrations . Vendor Pieces of Jayde: Uncommon Goods, who traveled up from Indiana.First time Krampusnacht vendor Fawn HausVendor Triple Moon SistersKrampusnacht attendeeCrone Moon, who also led a wonderful “Make Your Own Krampus Card” workshop. First time Krampusnacht vendor Baraboo Toy Soldier ShoppeKrampusnacht performer/attendeeVendor Gebhardt Trading CompanyNext door to the Great Hall– the Best Place Gift Shop.
Supporting Sponsor Besom Boutique’s tents in the Krampus Market Square. Besom Boutique helped organize the market. Photo opp and escape rooms set up by Unorthodox Entertainment Company
Outside the Blue Ribbon HallInside the Blue Ribbon Hall for Kid’s Krampus HourAt work on projects which included a Krampus mask, paper bag Krampus puppet, and a Krampus figurine made of aluminum foil.Working on the craft plan.Saint Nick shows up to greet the kiddos! But uh-oh, guess who is with him……that’s right, Krampus!And an angel, too!These performers are members of Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit. They perform at Milwaukee Krampusnacht and other events throughout the year.Our sponsor Feral House provided each kid a stocking filled with treats.That’s a lot of treats!Only the good kids got the treats.Author and researcher Chad Lewis gave an engaging talk presentation on “Folklore and Legends of Winter.” Sold out room for the Chad Lewis presentation. It was followed by a “Make Your Own Krampus Card” workshop.
On Tap: Onkel Belsnickel’s Party Patio
Onkel Belsnickel’s Party Patio was located behind On Tap. It featured DJs Wendy and Ryan and Krampus and Hodag themed cornhole games. Hip hop artist Puerto Wiccan gave a guest performance on the party patio. She had a couple Mari Lwyd back-up dancers. Mari Lwyd is from a Welsh tradition. On Christmas Eve, Mari Lwyd parties go door to door essentially trying to rap battle their way in for treats. See Atlas Obscura article here: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/mari-lwyd-wales-horse-skull-holidaysPuerto Wiccan perfomring her song “Devil Horns.”
Dead Man’s Carnival 11th Street Stage
Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance giving a performance at the Dead Man’s Carnival 11th Street Stage near Central Waters Brewing.Be careful with those!Tamarind Tribal Belly DanceThe setting sun was a nice touch on Tamarind Tribal Belly Dance’s performance. A nice view of some of the historic Pabst Brewery buildings. The building on the corner is now Central Waters Brewing. Tamarind Tribal Belly DanceThe Courtesan and the Cabin Boy “All Fired up for Krampus” firedance show. Swords of flame!The Courtesan and the Cabin Boy: “All Fired Up for Krampus!” Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra, the Dead Man’s Carnival House Band.People dancing in the street to Professor Pinkerton’s Irrelevant Orchestra.
Out and About on the Streets
Members of Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit and Witches in Motion join forces!Krampus stomping ground!Krampusnacht attendeesKrampus whips people into shape by the Trouble Makers Cocina food truck.Krampus on 10th and Juneau.Krampusnacht attendees Krampusnacht performers near Krampus Market SquareWend O’ Lynn played two beautiful sets of traditional Irish music on the stage in the King’s Courtyard at Best Place. Zombie Puppet Carolers!Chillin’ with KrampusKrampusnacht attendeesCaroling group Riverwest Revelers stopped by to sing! Lookin’ snazzy!Hangin out by the Best Place Cafe.Krampus catches another victim!Road block!Looks like trouble!
Alright, are you ready for the American Ghost Walks Krampus Parade (and Post-Parade Party?)
American Ghost Walks banner holders lead the way.Spielmannszug Milwaukee Drum and Bugle Corps http://szmke.org/has been an organization since 1957!Mari Lwyds!Zombie Caroler ChoirThe Hodag Store‘s Krampus and St. Nick Hodags!Tamarind Tribal Belly DanceWitches in Motion and Wend O’ LynnThat tall creature is Jólakötturinn, the ferocious Icelandic Yule Cat! See: Icelandic Christmas folklore – WikipediaPuerto Wiccan with a crew of creepy elves.Here’s Krampus herder Saint Nick with members of Milwaukee Krampus Eigenheit and other other guest Krampus performers!Katie Kadaver of Grindhouse Tease was also one of our t-shirt models this year. Angel handing out candy.Look out for that switch!Uh-oh, looks ready to whip someone’s ass!The Squeezettes playing the Post-Parade show in the Blue Ribbon Hall. Looks like they’re dancing a Krampus polka.The crowd enjoying The Squeezettes.Cheers to our host, Best Place!After The Squeezettes played, Xposed 4heads took the stage and humored the audience by playing their hit song “Dance with the Krampus” not once, but twice. And that was a wrap on Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2022!
Milwaukee Krampusnacht 2022 