Chicagoans celebrated Krampus Fest at Martyr’s in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2024. As a part of Central and Eastern European folkloric tradition, Krampus is a half-goat, half-devil-like monster who punishes misbehaving children during the Christmas season.
Melody Clark hangs out in her Krampus costume beside her husband Brian Clark during the Krampus Fest. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Hope Arthur takes the stage during the Krampus Fest costume contest at Martyr’s on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Deborah Shaw-Staley hangs out in her Krampus costume while attending the Krampus Fest at Martyr’s. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)April Fryza encourages Stanley Bialek, 8, to strut across the stage during the Krampus Fest costume contest at Martyr’s in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)People in costume take the stage during the Krampus Fest costume contest at Martyr’s on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)People attend the Krampus Fest at Martyr’s in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Dolls are seen in a basket carried by April Fryza as she attends Krampus Fest in costume at Martyr’s. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)People light sparklers before the start of the Krampus Fest parade outside of Martyr’s in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Rob Felker and Sarah Loffredo chat in their costumes before a short parade in the rain during the Krampus Fest at Martyr’s on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)Matthew Owens wears his Krampus costume while attending the Krampus Fest at Martyr’s in Chicago’s North Center neighborhood on on Dec. 14, 2024. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
