St. Nicholas and Krampus are an integral part of Austrian tradition and simply belong to the Advent season. While St. Nicholas stands for the good, the Krampusse and Perchten (fur-clad, masked figures from Alpine winter folklore) with their fearsome masks recall old traditions and legends.

The Altgnigler Krampus & Perchten Pass (a local Krampus group from Salzburg-Gnigl) is a fixture of our Christmas market on Mirabellplatz every year and parades across the market together with St. Nicholas.

While St. Nicholas hands out sweets to the children, the Krampusse take care – with a wink – of the “big children” who may not have been quite so well-behaved over the past year.

A special highlight for the whole family!

Photo: www.altgnigler.at

The Bürmooser Blechbläser, a brass ensemble from Bürmoos near Salzburg, are regular guests at our Christmas market on Mirabellplatz during Advent, creating a true pre-Christmas atmosphere with their music.

With cheerful and contemplative Christmas pieces, they continue a long tradition dating back to the interwar period, when musicians played for farmers during Advent in return for small gifts.

Under the direction of Christina Stöger, the ensemble today performs at numerous church, public and private occasions – and also brings festive anticipation and Advent spirit to our market.

Photo: Bürmooser Blechbläser

The Weisenbläser der Postmusik Salzburg – wind players performing traditional Alpine melodies, known as Weisen – can be heard at various markets during Advent and also enchant visitors at our Mirabell Christmas Market with their atmospheric music.

Their repertoire ranges from traditional Alpine melodies and well-known Christmas carols to modern festive pieces – a musical tradition that originated in the Christmas music played at post offices.

The experienced musicians, under the direction of Josef Harl, create a warm, festive atmosphere wherever they play and invite young and old to enjoy the Advent season with music.

Photo: www.postmusik-salzburg.at