What It’s Like to Spend Advent in Salzburg (Video)

This will put you in the mood … until the Krampus monsters show upThere are certain places in the world that are emblematic of particular seasons or occasions—Salzburg for Advent is one of them. The fourth-largest city in Austria, it comes alive at this time of year with pre-Christmas markets, fairs, art, music, lively cafés, lots of snow and visits from the Krampus monsters, who are meant to frighten the evil spirits out of onlookers and revelers before St. Nicklaus arrives. The Krampus masks certainly change the mood, as you will see in this lovely video produced and filmed by Bob Krist, but they’re part of traditional Advent culture there, and they remind us to reflect on the interplay of darkness and light and prepare our hearts for the Christ child.