Santa Claus in the Swiss Tradition

In Switzerland, the tradition of Santa Claus is different from the consumerized popular American image we usually have of Santa Claus. Santa Claus visits the children in early December (6th being his day) and brings them nuts and oranges if they were nice during the year, or has the black Ruprecht deal with them, if they weren't.


On 8 December there is a traditional procession where all the Santa's from Kriens present themselves to the public. Here many people are waiting in anticipation.


The black Ruprecht deals with the naughty children...


The nice ones dare going to Santa to say hello.


Santa Clause comes in all kinds of colours: red, green, violet, white ...