Saint Nicholas is also celebrated in Merano and surroundings. He is also part of the Christmas Markets in this area
Of course he also visits the villages of Merano and surroundings. Saint Nicholas is the protector of children and he visits children in the German speaking area, thus also in South Tyrol, on December 6. He is accompanied by Santa's little helper and is a counterpart to the devil, called "Krampus", who romps through the streets the evening before.
The little ones and their parents usually commemorate him in a prayer before meeting the man with the mitre in amazement and receiving a small gift.
According to a legend, also the original Saint Nicholas was really generous and donated money to people in need in order to prevent them from evil.
