African Krampus in Pallotti Church

Whoever climbs the steps to the Pallotti Church on the second day of Christmas might be startled at first. A Nigerian Krampus with a red face mask awaited visitors at the entrance, holding a switch. He was supposed to dance in the church to drive away evil, accompanied by drums and flute music.

To ensure that the surprise wasn’t too overwhelming, the celebrant and missionary secretary Father Markus Hau quickly explained to the worshippers what was in store for them and cleared up any potential misunderstandings: “You might say: Of course, Hau, from the Rhineland: Carnival!” speculated the Pallottiner, quickly dismissing this notion: “No, this is about a Nigerian tradition for Christmas.” He noted that the ritual most closely resembles the Perchten or the Krampus, who accompanies St. Nicholas.

Driving Away Evil with the Ancestors

It is also not some pagan hocus-pocus. When Brother Patrick Okechukwu Okeke dances through the rows with his switch, accompanied by Brother Celestine Chukwubuikem Nwafocha in his mask, the aim is to make space for goodness and Christ, driving away the darkness from our lives as well. The Nigerian tradition is called “Mmanwu – the Beauty of the Dead,” and it seeks to drive away evil with the help of the spirits of the ancestors, bringing happiness to the visitors of the service in the Pallotti Church.

The two brothers from Nigeria have been in Friedberg since November to pursue their theological training. They are part of a small community of foreign Pallottiners from Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa, and India, promoting the interculturality of the Pallottine community, which is also to be lived out at the Pallottine College in Vallendar.

The musicality for these customs seems to have been sung into the African brothers from the cradle. Additional African priests and brothers joined in the service, leading songs, playing drums, and raising the notes of the flutes, luring the listeners with the sounds and rhythms as if to draw them heavenward.

The stillness and solemnity of the German Christmas celebration felt foreign to the African Pallottiners in light of their vibrant festivities. In their culture, music, dance, fireworks, and good food create a festive atmosphere. Traditionally, they enjoy spicy pepper soup, rice, chicken, and palm wine tapped directly from the tree.

For Father Hau, this somewhat different Christmas service was an experiment. However, the expressive and joyful mass led by the Nigerian brothers resonated well with both the German worshippers and their fellow German brothers. The older brothers, in particular, appreciated the African songs and the lively atmosphere, remarking how nice it was to have “something really happening” again.

Photos: Father Markus Hau
Report: Alexander Schweda