The march begins at 7:30 p.m. as last year’s controversial debut becomes a new King William tradition.
SAN ANTONIO — There’s a chance Friday evening will continue to bring chilly, cloudy, damp conditions to San Antonio.
Bob Crittenden would prefer it no other way.
The lead organizer and grand marshal of the 2025 Krampus Parade – returning after a controversial but well-attended debut last year – says those are the perfect conditions to commemorate the darker side of the Christmas season. The King William neighborhood will once again play host to the procession, inspired by the Bavarian myth of a horned, fanged and furry creature who punishes naughty children.
Organizers say thousands of San Antonians attended last year’s parade, many donning their frightful best in spirit of a devilish tradition that nonetheless carried an atmosphere of celebration last year. Crittenden said the response and support his team has received in recent months proved the community was ready to make it an annual December tradition, despite some faith leaders and Catholic groups last year denouncing the event as “evil.”
Crittenden said they’re preparing for a 2025 march that’s “as big or bigger” than 2024.
To give an idea of how much larger the event could grow this year: There are 435 registered marchers decked out with horns, tails and fangs set to stroll through King William Friday evening, up from 125 last year. Thousands more are expected to line the route to watch.
Organizers say there will be more traffic control for Friday’s event, including the use of barricades to clearly delineate the parade route, which will take marchers on a figure-eight path through King William. Beethoven Maennerchor will serve not only as the start and end points of the parade; it will also be able to accommodate up to 3,000 at the event’s official afterparty, according to Crittenden.
The parade gets underway at 7:30 p.m.; only those who have registered as a “designated marcher” will be able to walk, but anyone is invited to observe as a spectator.