The Krampus of Kentucky: How One Man Brings an Ancient Legend to Life in Appalachia

Image courtesy Jordan Ford (C) 2025 All Rights Reserved

Somerset, Kentucky (SPA)--- In the heart of Somerset, Kentucky, a town rich with its own traditions, a shadow from ancient Alpine folklore stretches long during the holiday season. It has horns, fur, and a switch of birch branches. This is the work of Jordan Ford, a dedicated artist and performer who embodies the legendary Krampus, offering a balance to the saccharine sweetness of modern Christmas and reminding everyone that heritage comes in many forms. Recently I had the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Ford and explore the world behind Somerset Krampus.

The Dark Companion: A History of Krampus

For those only familiar with the jolly man in the red suit, Krampus is his formidable counterpart. Originating in the folklore of Europe's Alpine region, Krampus is a fearsome figure, often described as half-goat and half-demon. His legend predates Christianity, with roots in pagan traditions. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts, Krampus is tasked with punishing those who have misbehaved, often swatting them with birch switches. While the character was incorporated into Christian traditions in Europe around the 17th century, his primal nature endures. This history is celebrated today in events like Krampusnacht (Krampus Night) and the Krampuslauf (Krampus Run), where people dress as the creature to frighten onlookers playfully.

The Spark of Inspiration

Ford’s journey to becoming Krampus didn't start with a love for Christmas; in fact, he was never a big fan of the holiday growing up. It was a friend who introduced him to the Krampus legend, and the concept immediately resonated. "The balance of it all caught my eye," Ford explains, "between the naughty and nice, right and wrong with all things there must be balance".

His interest soon grew into a passion. After searching for a local Krampus performer to learn from and finding none, he took matters into his own hands. "So I became that person," he says. From the first time he donned the costume, he was hooked. For Ford, bringing this folklore to Somerset is a way to celebrate history and heritage. He’s found a supportive audience among those who are "not big into traditional Christmases and love the older beliefs and darker side traditions". Ultimately, his goal is to foster a sense of inclusion, ensuring everyone can "celebrate whatever way makes them happy".

The Art of the Beast: Crafting a Creature

Ford's Krampus costume is a meticulous work of art, combining modern techniques with traditional elements. The process begins with the mask, which he designs with his friend Alex before 3D printing it to fit his own head. He then adds custom details like scars, applies paint, builds the hair from wigs, and often finishes the look with menacing LED eyes.

The rest of the ensemble is just as detailed:

• The Body: The outfit includes a commissioned wool vest and a red leather long coat, which he notes is more accepted locally than a traditional full fur suit. Underneath, he wears a shirt with fur sewn onto it and sports pants that have been cut and modified with fur.
• The Stature: To achieve Krampus’s intimidating height, Ford wears five-inch platform boots that he has customized with foam, fur, and hooves.
• The Details: Gloves with 3D-printed claws cover his hands. He has two tails: one made from PVC foam and fur, and another, a more complex, commissioned mechanical tail. For props, he modifies large baskets into cages, placing dolls inside to complete the ominous effect.
• The Tools: While he owns traditional birch wood switches, for public events, Ford cleverly constructs his from seasonal scented brooms. This ensures safety during photo opportunities and mock "spanking" scenes, preventing any harm to participants.

The entire transformation can take up to 30 minutes with a helper. Inside the layers of fur, leather, and electronics, Ford wears cooling vests and fans to combat the heat, even in winter. "Well it feels heavy and hot at first," he admits, "but as I start moving around, I feel larger and more menacing".

Performance and Community Reaction

Embodying the character goes far beyond the costume. Ford alters his very movement, adopting a wider stance and leaning forward to create a "beasty movement". His performance style adapts to his environment; at a "Dark or Yule market," he might be more frightening, swinging his switches to draw attention. But at local photo events, he is surprisingly gentle and interactive. "I can be over here interacting with the kids, dancing with them... laughing and cutting up with me," he says. His priority is to create a comfortable and memorable experience for everyone, kids and adults alike.

The reaction in Somerset has varied. Ford has a loyal group of regulars who see him every year, and some have even hired him to surprise their families at home. He recounts heartwarming moments, such as the joy on the face of a hearing-impaired girl who loves to feel the teeth on his mask, or cheering up a child who was sad about missing Santa. The positive interactions, he says, "greatly outrank the negative".

However, not everyone understands. He’s been called a "devil Santa" and has received nasty messages from people who mistake the character for something satanic. When confronted with confusion, Ford takes the time to explain the folklore to those who are interested. "I know I can't force my beliefs on anyone or make them want to understand," he states. "Just have to be out there for those who want to".

The Future of a Legend

For Ford, the most rewarding part of his work is the joy it brings. "The smiles and the stories," he says, are what make the heat, expense, and effort worthwhile. Portraying Krampus has even transformed his own feelings about the holidays, turning a season he once disliked into a creative and exciting time.

He is always looking to improve his costume, with dreams of one day learning to walk on stilts to enhance the creature's silhouette. His reputation is growing, with invitations to be a special guest at Krampus market events in Bowling Green and Knoxville. His ultimate goal is to bring a similar event, and perhaps even a small Krampuslauf, to his hometown of Somerset.

Through his passion, Jordan Ford is doing more than just wearing a costume; he is acting as a keeper of old traditions, an artist, and a community entertainer. He reminds us that the holidays are multifaceted and that there's room for both the light and the dark.

To connect with Jordan Ford, you can find him on Facebook at Somerset Krampus and Instagram at Somerknights Cosplay. He can also be reached by email at Somersetkrampus@gmail.com.