Costumed Participant Rules

To ensure the safety of performers and fans, all costumed participants (and their friends) are expected to follow some basic rules and best practices. We welcome everyone to join us and will reject participation if they’re unwilling to comply with Krampus Bremerton & Krampus Kitsap rules.

The Basics.

  1. BE SAFE: know the limitations of your costume, body, health, and surrounding environment. Don’t engage in activity that endangers your personal safety or the safety of others.

  2. NO HITTING: Krampus carries whips and switches. Only strike a fan if they give you consent. Hitting puts you, and fans, at personal risk. Act out the aggression, but don’t make physical contact unless asked or prompted to do so.

  3. ENGAGE THOSE WHO WANT TO BE ENGAGED: Some people are afraid of Krampus and may have underlying conditions of which you are unaware. If an adult is demonstrating behaviors that they don’t want to be approached; don’t approach them.

  4. ENTER WHERE YOU’RE INVITED: If you are not invited to enter a private or public building, do not enter. Only enter known, participating businesses, and buildings where you are invited. Once on the property, be respectful of the property and don’t cause damage.

Children.

  1. DON’T APPROACH CHILDREN: Allow children to approach you, or have their parents bring them to you. Krampus is a scary creature, but Krampus events are intended to be fun for everyone. Kids frequently warm up when they figure out there’s no threat.

  2. TAKE A KNEE: When approached, consider getting down on the child’s level. Get on one knee, so they can see you in the eyes, and you’ll likely find it’s a way for them to feel more comfortable approaching Krampus.

  3. STEP OUT OF CHARACTER: Dressing up as Krampus is a performance. Children have great imaginations and can have trouble distinguishing theatrics from reality. Consider using your human voice to talk. Maybe allow them to touch the horns on your mask or the fur on your arm.

Protesters.

Sadly, some folks prefer reaction over understanding. Inevitably, you’ll encounter some hostility either in the form of formal protest or negative comments from bystanders. When that occurs:

  1. SAFETY FIRST: Never compromise your safety or the safety of others. Remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible and seek a safe location.

  2. DON’T ENGAGE: Protesters are often looking for conflict and response. The best way to avoid a protester is to ignore them. Do not ever engage with a protester and move away from them. Don’t try to explain, rationalize, or argue. Simply ignore and move on.

  3. BE POLITE: If an interaction is unavoidable, engage with the hostile party with kindness. Do not raise your voice, get angry, or engage in violence. Excuse yourself as quickly as possible and move on to the many more people who are excited to have you present.