Krampusspiel der Nikologruppe Kumitz in Bad Mitterndorf

Performance times: 5:00 p.m. Bakery Schlömmer in Obersdorf 7:30 p.m. Village square in Pichl 8:30 p.m. Stückelschweiger in Kainisch The Kumitzer Krampus play is a traditional custom that is deeply rooted in the regional culture of the Ausseerland Salzkammergut. The performances of the Nikologruppe Kumitz take place in the districts of Obersdorf, Pichl, and Kainisch of the municipality Bad Mitterndorf. Over time, the Kumitzer Krampus play developed into an integral part of the regional customs. In the past, various figures performed in the inns of the region. Today, the performances take place outdoors on specially erected wooden stages. Key roles include the pastor, the Nikolaus, the white Bartel, the sacristans, the night watchman, and the Habergeiß. While the pastor and Nikolaus admonish and instruct the children with their sermons, the white Bartel then rewards them with well-filled Nikolosackerln. The procession is supplemented by the Schab, who announce the upcoming Rauhnacht with their loud whip cracks. A special position within the Kumitzer Krampus play is held by Luzifer with his two attendants. His impressive sermon addresses the vices and weaknesses of humanity and amazes the audience every year. The costumes and masks also shape the appearance of the custom. While the Krampuses were once equipped with fur masks, they now wear sheepskin heads with intricately carved wooden masks and goat horns. Luzifer stands out from the other figures with his sheepskin head without a wooden mask and his red-painted face. The Kumitzer Krampus play uniquely combines tradition, theater, and regional culture. Together with the historic Nikolospiel in Bad Mitterndorf, it contributes to preserving the passed-down customs of the Ausseerland for future generations.