Change at the top: New chairman of the Liadnbering Teufeln in Pöttsching!

Change at the top: New chairman of the Liadnbering Teufeln in Pöttsching!

The Liadnbering Teufeln from Pöttsching are preparing for the new season and have brought a breath of fresh air to the club with a change in chairman. After many years, Michael Fazekas has resigned from the club in order to be able to take more time for his family after his second child was born. His successor, Sascha Kietaibl, is considered a well-known personality within the club, as he is not only one of the oldest members, but has also served as deputy chairman for two years. He also ventured into the traditional world early on as an extra in the Krampus Run.

Kietaibl dealt intensively with the customs of Krampus, especially during his time with the army in Lienz. He is aware of his responsibility and sees the upcoming events as an excellent opportunity to introduce the new board team and promote cohesion in the club. “Team spirit and communication among the members are the heart of our community,” emphasizes Kietaibl.

The tradition in focus

The Krampus custom has a long tradition in Austria. Two people from Pöttsching founded the Krampus Association back in 2002, and from initially just three masks, the number of members grew to around 40 over the years. The whole club consists not only of the rustic devils, but also of charming dwarf devils, wild witches and blackened ones. This diversity makes the club unique and ensures that the tradition remains alive. The hand-carved wooden masks and skins come from various artisans and contribute to the uniqueness of the performances Liadnbering devils.

The first event of this season will take place on November 22nd at the Heimlauf in Pöttsching. There the devils will not only delight the spectators, but also showcase their connection to tradition and their commitment to a child and family-friendly orientation.

A look at the customs

How important the Krampus custom is anchored in Austrian culture is also shown by the diverse sources and materials that are available. The Austrian National Library, for example, has a wealth of information about the various facets of customs. Those interested will not only find newspaper reports and illustrations, but also literature on this cultural phenomenon. The relevance and richness of the Krampus tradition comes to life through such initiatives and contributes to the preservation of the custom Austrian National Library.

The Liadnbering Teufeln and their members can start the coming season full of confidence. With Sascha Kietaibl at the helm, they are determined to keep the tradition of Krampus alive while creating space for new ideas.