Embrace the Mischief: Discovering the Enchanting World of Krampus Celebrations

EL CENTRO — Adorable, wide-eyed children clad in pajamas and jingle bell sweaters posing for photos with Santa are everywhere during the festive season, yet a photo shoot featuring the anti-Santa, Krampus, now that’s a bit of “timeless alternative programming.”

This has been the premise behind the novelty of family and friend photo sessions with the Christmas devil, a demon originating from Eastern Europe characterized by long horns, sharp fangs, and a bundle of birch switches intended to discipline badly behaving children.

“It’s like classic alternative programming, just like on TV when they air the Puppy Bowl for viewers uninterested in the Super Bowl,” remarked Imperial local Derrick Sparrow, who has hosted the Krampus Christmas photos outside his Discordia Records shop at 113 N. 5th St. in El Centro for the last three years.

Discordia hosted the photo sessions in collaboration with photographer Sergio Bastidas from SMB Photography during a two-hour segment on Sunday, Dec. 22, resulting in nearly 100 sessions involving individuals, families, and pets — or various combinations thereof — which is an increase from approximately 50 in the inaugural year.

Rooted in pagan and early Christian folklore that gained traction across the ocean, the concept of Krampus has primarily risen in popularity due to a cheesy horror film from 2015 that has achieved cult status. However, Sparrow noted that Krampus parades and celebrations — along with merchandise — have existed in various regions of the United States long before this.

“Krampusnacht” takes place on or around Dec. 5 in certain parts of America, and is more strongly observed in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It is a time when adults don Krampus costumes to frighten children in their homes. This can be followed by or coincide with “Krampuslauf,” a parade where individuals dress as Krampus and march through the streets.

While one might presume that the type of attendees showing up for a fun photo session with St. Nick’s sinister counterpart has a specific profile, Sparrow reassures that this is only somewhat accurate. “We attract the anticipated alternative crowd, the horror enthusiasts, goth kids, punk and metal fans, as well as families and friends. Yet there also was a large number of ordinary people in their Christmas sweaters enjoying photos with Krampus,” Sparrow stated.

Photographer Bastidas, who leans toward the macabre himself, expressed, “I believe it’s enjoyable to offer a different viewpoint on the holiday season. Especially since Krampus traditionally predates Santa.”

Sparrow and Bastidas have witnessed a real connection growing with people through the event, as indicated by the steady rise in attendance over the span of three years, with this year’s gathering “forming a line outside the shop all the way down Fifth Street,” Sparrow mentioned.

Sparrow operates a photo booth venture, thus offering prints economically on-site from a compact printer, but he and Bastidas were also providing complimentary digital prints.

One participant who showed up for a photo with Krampus was Alberto Martinez from El Centro, who donned a matching ugly sweater with his dog, Gato (which indeed, is his dog’s name).

“We were actually twinning. I bought him the same sweater I was wearing. So we planned for the whole occasion,” Martinez shared about himself and Gato. “And it felt like the ambiance, seeing others, created engagement; while in line, you start conversing with various people who evidently have different interests, the eccentric, let’s say. … It felt a bit like a gathering.”

Concepcion “Con” Hidalgo from El Centro (originally from Mexicali and Calexico) and his
friends had already don their holiday attire when they swung by on Sunday for pictures.

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“I just feel it’s awesome. It’s unique. Other large cities practice it. … It’s something that I anticipate each year,” Hidalgo remarked. “I wish there were more events like this surfacing. I can see that the Valley is evolving gradually, the populace is increasing, and there are additional activities available. I believe this is just one of the things that draws people in, and I hope more such events are introduced.”

To enhance the enjoyment of the experience, Sparrow has meticulously adjusted his Krampus costume through experimentation … efforts that will likely persist as long as he continues hosting the photo sessions. After initially purchasing a full suit, he commenced piecing together the appearance of a goat deity with various components, including elements reminiscent of apes.

Ironically or perhaps not, Sparrow, a father of three, has taken special care to create something unique for the holiday season in his own fashion, something a tad unconventional. More than just sweets and holiday hats.

“You know, the Valley requires these little activities that stand out. And it turned out to be extremely enjoyable. It was great to witness families coming together, individuals traveling from the Palm Springs region, Yuma; they journey across the border from Mexicali,” Sparrow stated. “We’ve seen visitors drive down from San Diego just for photographs. So it’s quite remarkable, man.

“I never can determine if my intuition is spot on. But if folks are traveling a few hours just to snap a photo for ten seconds, I reckon we must have accomplished something well?”