A father has been seriously injured after being grabbed by two Krampuses and hurled to the ground twice during a festive tradition.
The attack took place in the town of Matrei, in the Austrian state of Tyrol, on Saturday, 6th December.
Police in Tyrol said the 44-year-old Austrian man had been walking with his family at around 8:00 pm when two masked participants dressed as Klaubauf, a local name for Krampus, seized him by his clothing and threw him to the ground in what is called the Klaubauf throw.
They reportedly hurled him down twice in succession and the man suffered a serious shoulder injury.
He was taken to the district hospital in the city of Lienz for treatment and police have opened an investigation. And said the identities of the two attackers were not yet known.
Klaubauf – or Krampus – is a traditional figure associated with St Nicholas’ customs, with participants wearing masks, shaggy costumes and moving in groups through the streets from 3rd December.
As part of the festivities, participants dressed as Klaubauf physically pick up and “throw” willing spectators onto the ground as part of a ritualistic performance.
The incident is under investigation.
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Story By: Joseph Golder, Sub-Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Newsflash
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