Pre-Christian Alpine traditions

The central and eastern Alps of Europe are rich in folklore traditions dating back to pre-Christian times, with surviving elements originating from Germanic, Gaulish (Gallo-Roman), Slavic (Carantanian) and Raetian culture.

[citation needed] Ancient customs survived in the rural parts of Austria, Switzerland, Bavaria, Slovenia, western and northern Croatia and north eastern Italy in the form of dance, art, processions, rituals and games.

[citation needed] Around September 8, the feast of the Nativity of Mary, it is customary to bring the cattle down from the upland pastures for the winter.

In Bavaria, women weave fir wreaths decorated with paper roses and small mirrors to ward off demons during the downhill journey.

In recent times Krampus and Perchten have increasingly been displayed in a single event, leading to a loss of distinction of the two.

Chalandamarz is an ancient festival celebrated by the Romansh speaking part of the Swiss Canton Graubünden.