Bridgeport, Chinatown & McKinley Park

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Radio Extra: Chicago Krampus Fest Celebrates the Demonic Christmas Devil

December 4, 2014 11:19am | Updated December 4, 2014 11:19am
Designed to frighten kids into good behavior, the myth of Krampus invokes a demonic creature that steals kids.
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Flickr/ Rubber Slippers in Italy

BRIDGEPORT — Think of Krampus as the anti-Santa.

Where jolly ol' St. Nick brings treats to good kids on Saturday, Krampus — the mythical hairy, hooved and horned beast rooted in Alpine folklore — uses chains to snatch away the bad ones.

While that might sound like a terrible reason to party, Krampus is steadfastly celebrated in parts of Europe, with elaborate parades and festivals where costumed beasts stalk the streets and startle the townfolk. 

On this DNAinfo Radio Extra, Casey Cora says that a Krampus celebration is coming to Bridgeport this weekend:

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