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Every year on the evening of 5 December, the traditional St. Nicholas parade takes place in Sterzing. While Knecht Rupprecht and the Moors help St. Nicholas distribute gifts, the ‘Tuifl’ (Krampus) keep order with their rods and leave many a face blackened. Originally, this early winter custom served to ward off threats from the spirits of darkness and frost.

The traditional parade 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 calls, accompanied by the Tuifl.

During the ‘Tuifltog’ on 5 December, Sterzing is definitely in a state of emergency, with one of the most spectacular St. Nicholas parades in South Tyrol and the entire Alpine region.