The Krampuslauf in Rotterdam has existed since 2013 and revolves around the figure 'Krampus', the mythological companion of Sinterklaas. The figure of Krampus is originally from Austria, it is the Austrian 'black pete'. Because this companion of the Saint is not a person but a fairytale figure, he is free from social controversy. This freedom offers the Krampuslauf the possibility to penetrate to the essence of the Sinterklaas tradition, an eternally reciprocal renewal and transformation.
In Rotterdam, the Krampus has acquired a Rotterdam identity because it was linked to the mythology surrounding the Rotterdam Kralinger Plas, originating from the Rotterdam proverb: “as old as the road to Kralingen”. As a result, Krampus in Rotterdam is referred to as 'the Kralinger', which clarifies its nature as a water being.
The Krampuslauf takes place the last Friday before Sinterklaas Eve, in 2020 it will be on December 4. On a Krampuslauf all kinds of dark figures walk along with Sinterklaas. In practice, it is one Sinterklaas with 15-25 Krampussen / Kralingers. In practice, a Kralinger is a combination of Krampus and Zwarte Piet, he has the beastly of Krampus but courtesy of Zwarte Piet. A Kralinger can roar and speak friendly. A Kralinger, however beastly, is a gentleman. He is strict with naughty children and nice with good children, they get treats.
In recent years, people in Rotterdam continued to explore the mythological identity of the Kralinger. In 2017 this resulted in the rediscovery of the symbols on the Delftsche Poort: Maasgod and Rottenimf. These stream gods turned out to be the mythical parents of the city of Rotterdam and thus they immediately became the parents of the Kralinger. Thus, the Kralinger and the Krampuslauf became more deeply embedded in the local Rotterdam mythology.
In 2019 the Kralinger got a place in the official Sinterklaas exhibition: Who comes every year in Apeldoorn.
