Tuifltog Sterzing

Every year, the traditional St. Nicholas procession takes place in Sterzing on the evening of December 5th. While Knecht Rupprecht and the Moors help St. Nicholas distribute the presents, the “Tuifl” (Krampus) use their rods to keep order. 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, during which he is also accompanied by the Tuifl.