KRAMPUS FEST

LOCAL EVENTS

A creepy Christmas tradition brings terror and treats to San Marcos

Tis’ the season of merriment and cheer, but at Triple Six Social one can find refreshments and fear. The local gothic cafe celebrated its second annual Krampus Festival on what was the shortest day of the year. The event aligned with the cafe’s monthly dark markets, Sinister Sundays, which bring out dozens of vendors specializing in spooky-themed wares. The event included a Krampus costume contest followed by a parade as guests explored the macabre market. Although the event had frights on site, it was an all-ages event welcoming hundreds of guests and families to experience the creepy side of Christmas.

Made popular by the 2015 horror film, Krampus is a European folklore creature whose origins date back to the 16th century. As Santa and Grinch encounters pop up during this time of year, Triple Six Social owner and founder Andrea Hernandez wanted to create an event that centered on the darker side of the season.

The cafe has quickly become popular not only for its eats and treats but for the spooky atmosphere and commitment to the community. What was once an abandoned bank was transformed into a gothic cafe which welcomes all. In under a year, the cafe started to go viral on travel social media accounts, bringing people to San Marcos just to experience the eeriness and the espressos.

The openness and acceptance was a part of the business plan, with Hernandez learning how to cultivate community during her years in the vending scene. Now with a brick and mortar, she frequently hosts events such as Krampus Fest which showcase a variety of vendors for all ages to explore.

“That’s why I try to lift [vendors] up and give them the same support that a lot of people gave me and because of that I was able to open a coffee shop,” Hernandez said.

The macabre has always held a place not only in her life but in her family, even celebrating her wedding day on Halloween. She saw many darker-themed events focusing on adult-only crowds and felt it excluded families who enjoyed eerie and odd experiences.

“I just love seeing all the families there and all them making memories,” Hernandez said. “That’s kind of my big thing is families, just because when you’re a darker person you don’t really get places where you can do creepy stuff together.”

Triple Six Social not only serves coffee and cakes but is a beacon for the bewitched and a haven for fans of horror, no matter their age.

“I love that everything that was going on [at Krampus Fest] was just a little bit for everyone,” Hernandez said.

“I think a lot of times, society makes things inherently scary when they’re not really. I’m trying to take that away from that too. A lot of these things are normal life whether it’s a coffin or people making art with bones, all this is just upcycled, recycled passion to someone and it’s everyday life.”

Krampus Fest is set to return next holiday season but in the meantime one can visit Triple Six Social seven days a week at 329 Cheatham St. for a creepy concoction or a community connection.