Every year, the traditional St. Nicholas procession takes place in Sterzing on the evening of December 5th. While Knecht Rupprecht and his Moors help St. Nicholas distribute the presents, the “Tuifl” (Krampus) use their rods to keep order and paint some spectators faces in black. Originally, the custom was used in early winter to scare off threats from the spirits of darkness and frost.
The traditional procession begins at 6 p.m. and moves from the north through the old town, across the town square, through the Zwölferturm tower and into the new town. In the afternoon, St. Nicholas makes a number of house visits to families and kids, during which he is also accompanied by the Tuifl.
During the “Tuifltog” on December 5th, there is definitely a state of exception in Sterzing, with one of the most spectacular St. Nicholas processions in South Tyrol and the entire Alpine region.