Season's demons: Krampus impersonator brings jingling joy to area festivities

Whether Christmas, Halloween or New Year's, he's always in a holiday mood. Despite his ferocious, furry appearance, KRAMPUS For Hire, a performance artist inspired by the fearsome creature of Germanic folklore, is determined to bring festivity to any glittering gathering.

His recent sightings included a stop at Scarce Oddities, a curiosity shop in West Boylston featured in Worcester Magazine, where he posed for photos with Krampus for any daring patrons, tall or small.

And, why not? By all accounts, the figure of Krampus is having a moment. Despite a reputation for punishing ill-behaved children while St. Nicholas brings presents to the well-behaved ones, Krampus is becoming a staple of seasonal events, inspiring KRAMPUS For Hire to channel the demon's delightful, dark energy.

Originally from Hardwick, his musical career took him on the road, living out of state for several years, until his recent return to the area. Now living in Barre, he spoke to Worcester Magazine in a Zoom call, in full Krampus regalia, about all things scary and merry, and making spirits bright. Or, fright.

Please tell me about what you do as an actor.

Actually, this is kind of a new thing for me, in the past year, starting last Halloween. I started creating videos on TikTok with the title, "The Void Stares Back." It's just a made-up character. I wanted to create that for spooky time, Halloween ... so, I kept doing that. That's how I met my friend, Eliot (Madera, owner of Scarce Oddities.)

Staring the holiday season, I started to get into Krampus. This time of year for spooky lovers, it can be a real drag. I said, "I'm just going to put some stuff together, and just go to some of the holiday events in the area, and be that representation."

Apart from Scarce Oddities, what are other events where you have appeared as Krampus?

I went to a Santa treelighting in a town I won't mention. I went to Christmas on the Common in Barre.

And, how did that go?

The one in Barre was great. Actually, they were both great. The one in Barre, I was just walking around, jingling my bells, waving to people, giving people high fives. I just made sure to feel people out. Some people wanted pictures.

The other event, it was an evening event. I was walking around, my bells jingling. People seemed excited, and having fun, and then the police said, "Can you go to the other side of the street?" Then, all of a sudden, the event organizers asked the police to tell me to leave. I said, "OK," and I just left. That was the first thing I ever went to. I was surprised, and yet not surprised.  

Did you contact the event organizers, or did you just show up?

I figured it was open to the public, and so I wasn't trying to cause any trouble, or anything. I just walked around the outskirts.

What is it about Krampus that particularly attracts you?

I think it's one of the maybe very popular (folk traditions), and I'm thinking, somewhat acceptable in mainstream pop culture. It's a lot of fun, and a somewhat known figure. Krampus awareness. It's bringing Krampus awareness.

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Do you have any acting or performing background apart from Krampus?

Not professionally. I've done music my whole life, so there is somewhat of a performing element there. And then, when I was a child, I did theater, and then with the videography with The Void Stares Back. That got me into character portrayal. There's my love for all things spooky.

Tell me a little bit about that. What is it that you like, or are drawn to?

I think it was when I was a child. I found a great nostalgia and comfort. My father and I would watch horror movies together. As I grew up, I got even more involved in the horror genre.

Do you have another profession?

I do actually perform music, and I also bartend.

Can we say where?

Oh, no. I don't think so. I don't think of this as a controversial thing I am doing, but there have been a small number of people who do find it controversial.

How are your promoting your endeavors?

I just put up a Facebook page, KRAMPUS For Hire.

Have you got any takers?

Yeah, I have people contact me about the possibility of next year; also saying, "Oh, I wish I knew, I would have loved to have you at my event."

If you had a goal for Krampus, what would it be?

I think it's a mixture simply between trying to entertain, and bring a different perspective, as well as different representation of different parts of the world, or even our origins, where they come from. More diversity, more different representation. Our Christmas season is kind of mostly dominated by Christianity ... the modern takes, since the 1950s.

The holidays can be stress-inducing. Even if this just kind of brings a little joy to anyone, to shake us out of the day-to-day.