Terrifying pics of Christmas parade in the Czech Republich where villagers dress as ‘mischievous’ devils

CHRISTMAS is celebrated in many different ways, and this parade featuring demonic characters is definitely filed in the unusual category.

ONLINE ONLY - FRANCOVA LHOTA, CZECH REPUBLIC - DECEMBER 03: Participants dressed in traditional costumes look like grim reapers walk from house to house during the traditional St. Nicholas parade on December 3, 2016 in village of Francova Lhota, Czech Republic. This type of parade is one of the most popular age-old traditions in a few villages in the Wallachia region of Eastern Czech Republic. St. Nicholas and company roam the streets going from house to house, for two or three days as St. Nicholas gives sweets and tiny gifts as a present to children and the devils get up to mischief. (Photo by Matej Divizna/Getty Images)

DOZENS of demonic characters roam the streets of a small Czech town every year as part of a bizarre St Nicholas Christmas tradition.

The ‘mischievous’ festival freaks plague the small village of Francova Lhota annually on December 3 as part of an age old custom in the Wallachia region of eastern Czech Republic. A ‘real-life’ St Nick paraded from house to house accompanied by a horde of villagers dressed as giant fluffy creatures and pale white ghouls with scythes. The festival continues for two or three days and is considered one of the regions most popular yearly events,The Sunreports. St Nick gives out sweets and tiny presents to children as his devil companions play pranks and cause trouble. Similar demonic displays were seen in Austria as part of the Henndorfer Perchtenlauf November celebrations. The event draws thousands of people as performers brandish flame torches and weapons to thrill the crowds. They wear frightening Krampus costumes in celebration of the Austro-Bavarian Alpine folklore legend. The half-goat, half-demon is the exact opposite of Santa Claus and legend has it that Krampus punishes children who have misbehaved. The performers — many on stilts — parade up to children in the crowds and bare their sharp teeth as they celebrate pre-Christian traditions. Some brandish weapons such as pitchforks and smokebombs, while others have terrifying bloodshot eyes. This article was reproduced with permission from The Sun.