In Cividale, on the afternoon of the 6th of January, at sundown, you will hear cowbells ringing. At first far away, they rapidly get closer and closer. They announce the arrival of the scary KRAMPUS, demon-like creatures, half human and half animal, they search the streets for naughty children who will be scared and punished with their whips. They wear scary goat-like masks, wear chains and rugged clothes and have hoof -like feet. This old custom, is typical of the Austro-Hungarian countries and was originally linked to the pre-Christian celebration of the winter equinox and to the character of Saint Nicholas, traditionally celebrated on the 5th of December. Krampus were demons who had been defeated by the saint and that worked at his orders.