Character at Local Colorado Christmas Parade Causes Controversy

For many years, Western Colorado towns like Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose have celebrated the holiday season with gatherings, ceremonies, and parades.

However, an addition to the city of Montrose's upcoming Parade of Lights has recently gone viral because of a controversial character's inclusion in the parade for the first time.

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Montrose Colorado's Addition of Krampus Causes Controversy

In case you're not familiar, the character of Krampus is a fictional being that has been around for centuries serving as the antagonist to Santa Claus for longer than Kris Kringle has been a part of holiday folklore.

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Krampus is a frightening, imposing figure that is known for its aesthetic similarities to a goat, as well as an evil being.

Despite little backlash over similar, and often scarier costumes roaming around the streets during the Halloween season, the addition of Krampus to Montrose's Parade of Lights by The Montrose Witch Shop has caused quite a stir.

Some claim that the figure of Krampus taking part in the parade will prove to cause unnecessary horror to the otherwise wholesome gathering, while others have deemed that even including a representation of Krampus would be a deliberate showing of blasphemy in the otherwise Christian holiday.

On the other hand, proponents of Krampus's inclusion cite the fact that the malevolent being has been a part of Christmas longer than Santa Claus and dates back to ancient times when the winter holiday known for decorated pine trees existed even before it became a Christian holiday.

In any case, you can check out both sides of this year's controversial Krampus debate via the Montrose Witch Shop's official Facebook page.