Austria has entered a new national lockdown as the daily number of new COVID-19 infections reaches an all-time high. Austria is also the first European country to mandate vaccines for all adults. | CBC News

Unvaccinated Austrians ages 12 and older awoke on Monday confined to their homes for all but essential activities, as one of the strictest coronavirus lockdowns in Europe went into effect. https://nyti.ms/3wWkhM8 | The New York Times

The Krampus Parade in Itter is one of Austria’s most intense winter traditions, where performers dressed as horned, fur-covered monsters charge through the streets with bells, whips, and chains. Set against the snowy backdrop of Tyrol, the event blends pagan Alpine folklore with modern spectacle as Krampus “hunts” the crowds while St. Nicholas brings calm behind him. It’s loud, wild, and unforgettable — a celebration that turns the quiet village into a living piece of ancient mythology. #culture